On 27 June 2007, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) contacted the EPA Region 6 hotline to report a mercury release at a home in Chalmette Louisiana. The EPA subsequently notified the National Response Center (NRC 840234) of the release. The release was originally reported to the LDEQ by the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, La. The residents’ youngest child became ill a few weeks ago and was being treated at the Children’s Hospital. After several examinations, the residents brought to the doctor’s attention that they recently had found mercury within their home. The child was then tested for mercury poisoning, and tests indicated that the child had mercury levels approximately 40 - 70 times that of normal levels.
On 28 June, START-3 conducted an assessment of the residence. Initial air monitoring conducted by START-3 indicated levels of mercury in air of up to 60 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). Based upon the START-3’s report, EPA senior management was briefed on the situation. On the morning of 29 June, ERRS was verbally tasked to conduct a site walk that same day utilizing the OSC’s warrant authority for emergency actions.
On 3 October 2007, EPA monitored Hg vapor levels within a conex box that is being used to store the resident's personal property. The Personal property was screened during the removal action and was determined safe to keep. Inside the conex box, EPA observed an initial Hg vapor reading of 1.2 µg/m3 and within 3 minutes the Hg vapor concentration fell to 0.2 to 0.4 µg/m3.
As of October 3, 2007 EPA's removal action at the residence has been completed, and no further actions are planned at this time.
None.
The Louisiana Office of Public Health has concerns about the family re-occupying the residence. EPA's cleanup action of the residence was thorough and done per ATSDR Suggested Cleanup Levels.
|
