U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Bradwell Institute Mercury Release - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
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Subject:
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POLREP #1
Initial POLREP
Bradwell Institute Mercury Release
B4Q9
Hinesville, GA
Latitude: 31.8496926 Longitude: -81.6016330
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To:
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Michelle Cortes, GA EPD
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From:
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Leo Francendese, OSC
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Date:
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3/29/2012
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Reporting Period:
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0930 (3/28/12) through 0930 (3/29/12)
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
B4Q9 |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
3/28/2012 |
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Start Date: |
3/28/2012 |
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Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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1.1.1 Incident Category
CERCLA ER
1.1.2 Site Description
GA EPD State OSC requested EPA assistance at an elemental mercury release at the Bradwell Institute High School in Hinesville, GA at approximately noon on 3/28/2012.
1.1.2.1 Location
100 Pafford Street
Hinesville, Liberty County,Georgia 31313
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
GA EPD identified released elemental mercury in the school parking lot. Approximately 12 persons (adults and students) were identified as having come into contact with the mercury. Savannah Fire Department assisted Hinesville Fire Department in supplying monitoring equipment for the release. Hinesville Fire Department coordinated with the school, county EMA, and county health department in executing secure, contain, remove, and dispose actions concerning the gross level of mercury contamination in the parking lot. The team also collected footwear and impacted clothing items from the above mentioned persons. Initial screening of the inside of the high school by the team indicated that levels were below immediate concern.
The team requested EPA assistance in both evaluating and determining potential further actions. Approximately 1,800 students attend the Bradwell Institute High School.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
Upon arrival at 2130, EPA OSCs and START coordinated with the above mentioned personnel. Unified Command determined that a more thorough mercury vapor air clearance was to be conducted. In addition, the school notified families via OneCall that screening services would be provided for all concerned families and students by the EPA staff.
While the released mercury was secured in the parking lot from public traffic and gross decontamination was conducted by a contractor for the school earlier in the day, significant mercury vapor levels were present (approximately 40,000 nanograms per cubic meter).
The school and the EPA team conducted a multi-hour clearance tests into the early morning hours. In the process of conducting the clearance test, an additional source area was identified in the old Science Room area that was undergoing demolition activities being conducted by a school contractor.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Clearance tests were completed by OSCs Francendese and Garrard with assistance from START Tetra Tech in the early morning hours of 3/29/2012 and were coordinated with the school, county EMA, and county health department. Acceptable attainment levels were achieved, and the school was opened on time for scheduled classes on 3/29/12.
The Science Room area was sealed off from the rest of the school and secured under lock and key.
The EPA team conducted screening activities of personal items on request from concerned parents and students.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
A Notice of Federal Interest letter (NOFI) was issued to the principal of Bradwell Institute High School on 3/29/2012.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
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Treatment |
Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
OSCs will continue to coordinate with representatives from the school, the county EMA, and the county health department regarding additional actions to be taken to mitigate the release of mercury, both in the parking lot and in the Science Room area.
Additional screening of persons who may have come into contact with elemental mercury will continue. This includes the school's custodial services and demolition staff.
2.2.2 Issues
All public relations and media inquiries are being directed towards the school's staff, county EMA, and county health department.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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NA
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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NA
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3. Participating Entities
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NA
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4. Personnel On Site
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EPA (2) - OSCs
START (2)
Bradwell Institute High School - school administration
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5. Definition of Terms
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NA
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6. Additional sources of information
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NA
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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NA
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