On June 10, 2008, a student brought in a jar of mercury and spilled an undetermined amount of it in a classroom at Pooler Elementary School, Chatham County, Georgia. Georgia Department of Environmental Protection, requested EPA's assistance in conducting air monitoring assessment with the use of a mercury vapor analyzer. Phone Duty Officer dispatched OSC Webster to conduct the assessment. OSC Webster determined from his assessment the mercury levels were above health based levels and warranted a removal action.
As a result of the mercury spill, the student's home was screened utilizing a Lumex mercury vapor analyzer on June 13, 2008. The screening confirmed elevated levels of mercury vapor throughout (the source home) 1206 Estates Way, Pooler, GA 31322. EPA OSC determined that the immediate evacuation of residents and the initiation of a removal action was warranted.
On June 13, 2008, EPA OSC utilized Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contractors and Emergency Response and Removal Services (ERRS) contractors to investigate elevated mercury vapors located within the residential home. START contractors utilized a mercury vapor analyzer to identify the laundry room and child's bedroom as the primary source locations of concern. The readings of mercury vapor exceeded 100,000 nanograms per cubic meter.
On June 14, 2008, ERRS contractors were tasked with removal and segregation of contaminated items from the home. Items that exhibited mercury vapors above 10,000 nanograms per cubic meter were disposed of as hazardous material, which included a washing machine, dryer, tool shelving unit and carpet. Items that exhibited mercury vapors less than 10,000 nanograms per cubic meter included the child's bed, dresser, books, and toys. These items were placed outside on visque to heat and ventilate the vapors in an effort to minimize contaminants.
The thermostat in the home was placed on 84 degrees Fahrenheit, windows/doors were opened, and ceiling fans were turned on in an effort to minimize contaminants by ventilation. This process is referenced in this document as a heat/vent cycle and was performed for no less than 4 hours during the removal action. Following the heat/vent cycle START was tasked with conducting mercury vapor screening.
On June 15, 2008, START performed heat/vent cycles and mercury vapor screenings. ERRS conducted cleanup of HVAC system located in laundry room. Elevated mercury vapors still exist.
Due to severe weather, electronics, books, and miscellaneous toys were damaged at 1206 Estates Way. Items will be inventoried and replaced.
On June 16, 2008, START performed heat/vent cycles and mercury vapor screenings. ERRS conducted removal of chest freezer located in laundry room. Elevated mercury vapors still exist.
On June 17, 2008, START performed heat/vent cycles and mercury vapor screenings. ERRS conducted cleanup/removal activities. Elevated mercury vapors still exist.
On June 18, 2008, START performed heat/vent cycles and mercury vapor screenings. ERRS performed removal of sheet rock and support cross-section of wall in laundry room. Elevated mercury vapors still exist. Previously damaged items were inventoried for replacement purposes.
On June 19, 2008, ERRS placed items with mercury vapor readings of less than 1,000 nanograms per cubic meter into the home. START conducted an eight hour confirmatory mercury vapor screening with an action level of 1,000 nanograms per cubic meter. All rooms were below action limit and home was given the all clear by OSC.
On June 20, 2008, ERRS replaced cross-section of non-load bearing wall, applied sheet rock with mud. START conducted final mercury vapor screenings of personal belongings located at 1206 Estates Way. OSC advised residents of 1206 Estates Way that the hazardous conditions no longer posed a threat to healthy living conditions, clearing the home for use.
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