The Lamar Life Building is reported to be a privately owned building being rented for use as a federal court. The building is located at 317 East Capitol Street, in Jackson, Hinds County, Mississipppi.
On October 16, 2007, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requested EPA assistance in assessment and monitoring of cleanup activities at the Site. Reportedly approximately 1.5 cups (about 11 lbs) of mercury had been spilled within the building from an overturned trash can. The source of the mercury was unknown at the time of the report. MDEQ reported that approximately 75 people had been evacuated from the building, and the building owner had employed a cleanup contractor to mitigate the spill.
OSC Terrence Byrd was dispatched to provide assistance and oversight. START contractor support was also deployed
START has screened the clothing of over 100 persons. Any person's belongings that were sampled above 100ug/m3 had further testing of their vehicles, and homes if requested. The further sampling of this vehicle and home showed no elevated levels of Hg.
The Lamar life building was treated and sampled on the evening of October 19. The EPA sampling results entire building, including the basement and elevator, showed levels well below the established cleanup levels. Based on these results, the Lamar life building is able to be fully utilized without the threat of mercury contamination.
A public meeting was held on October 19, 2007. Representatives from the EPA, MDEQ, Mississippi Department of Health and CTEH were available to answer questions from concerned citizens and employees.
OSCs Byrd and Gaughan demobilized from the Site on October 20, 2006.
No other removal actions are planned.
Based on toxicological and medical assessments of the readings throughout the building, no additional medical monitoring will be necessary for employees or occupants.
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