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Brenau University Mercury Spill

 
Site Contact:
Rick Jardine
On Scene Coordinator

(jardine.richard@epa.gov)

Site Location:
615 Washington ST. SE
Gainesville, GA 30501
 response.epa.gov/BrenauUniversityMercurySpill
NRC#: 914908

Caller is reporting that a new instructor found some boxes in the lab, without looking in the boxes they were thrown in the trash bin (4x8). Maintenance noticed the mercury in the bin when getting ready to empty it. Maintenance sealed off the bin and put a plastic cover over it.

The Director of Facilities Management, called EQ Industrial Services Inc., on 8/12/09 for clean up. EQ stated that the trash at the bottom of the bin was contaminated with mercury.

OSC Jardine has been deployed with EPA's START contractor TTEMI to assist with air monitor and remediation strategies.


Initial assessment of garbage pen where damaged mercury containers were staged by RP faculty Evaluating mercury release to parking area near garbage pen Asphalt floor of garbage pen after bulk of debris was renmoved. Note silver beads of mercury. Garbage pen mercury vapor survey after floor had been MercX stabilized and swept clean. Room 22 from which mercury-containing devices were removed. Note storage closet to right of START survey member. EPA OSC discussing tactics with ERRS Response Manager View of BLDG 615 from SW corner lab and closet as viewed from outside (w/fans in window) Merc vacuum operation mercury vacuum operations in Level C air monitoring during intrusive activity Merc-vac after removing suspect floor tile Tile removal to access mercury beads Removing vinyl base to access free mercury beads Room 22 closet after lower shelf and all items removed Lab after 2nd tile-removing event due to hot spot at table leg carpet removal in corridor from Lab 22 to elevator lobby elevator lobby after carpet removed vacuum operation along path from bldg door to garbage pen mercury vacuuming operation along path from bldg to garbage pen heating residual mercury near garbage pen two box fans venting closet of R22 Bldg 615 after closure sampling. R22 windows left open and closet venting w/fans bags of mercury-contaminated property from lab 22
For additional information, visit the Pollution Report (POLREPS) section.