U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Bradwell Institute Mercury Release - Removal Polrep
Final Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
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Subject:
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POLREP #3
Final 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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6/12/2012
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Reporting Period:
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3/30/2012 through 6/12/2012
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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: |
Removal Action |
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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: |
3/31/2012 |
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Completion Date: |
6/12/2012 |
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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
OSCs Francendese continued to coordinate with the school, county EMA, and county health department regarding cleanup activities in the Old Science Room Area (Rooms 106 and 110). The school's mercury cleanup contractor removed debris from Rooms 106 and 110 and containerized it in visqueen which was staged outside for further screening and disposal.
Room 106 - cleanup activities included the use of a mercury vacuum to remove elemental mercury that was identified in sink #3; removal and bagging of the sink basin, glass drain, and fiber board from beneath the sink; and use of a copper sulfate decontamination solution on affected surfaces. Clearance sampling of Room 106 was initiated at 1600 hours on 3/31/12 and completed at 2300 hours on 3/31/12.
Room 110 - cleanup activities included the removal and bagging of trash and debris; use of a copper sulfate decontamination solution on affected surfaces; sealing the door to the room using visqueen and using an air mover to ventilate air from the room; and use of a space heater to assist with volatilizing the mercury vapors during the ventilation process. Clearance sampling of Room 110 was initiated at 1600 hours on 3/31/12 and completed at 2300 hours on 3/31/12.
In May 2012, the school's mercury cleanup contractor returned to the site to conduct disposal activities. A total of 14 drums containing mercury and debris were transported from the school to EQ Florida, Inc. in Tampa, Florida for disposal as hazardous waste (manifest number 009084359 JJK).
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.
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
No further activities by EPA ERRB are anticipated. OSC Francendese will continue to coordinate with representatives from the school, the county EMA, and the county health department, as necessary.
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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 (1) - OSC Francendese
Bradwell Institute High School - school administration and cleanup contractors
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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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