2.1.1 Narrative
On September 13, EPA, START and USCG Pacific
Strike (PST) personnel conducted mercury screening of the residence at 8353 San
Grail Court using a Lumex mercury detector.
Elevated levels of mercury vapors were primarily detected in the bedroom
of the child who was a student at the Walter R. Johnson Junior High School;
although other areas of the house also had elevated levels of mercury
vapors. Beads of visible mercury were observed
to be present in the bedroom
The residential
property, which was the site of the removal action, is located at 8353 San
Grail Court in Las Vegas, NV. This is a
three bedroom residence with a small backyard and side yard.
A limited amount of mercury
appears to have been transported on clothing and on a backpack from the initial
spill location at the Walter R. Johnson Junior High School to the residence at
8353 San Grail Court.
Elevated levels of mercury vapors (greater than
10,000 nanograms/cubic meter) were detected in the residence. Mercury beads were also identified in the
residence.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
The EPA ERRS
contractor removed all of the contents of the bedroom, including the carpet.
Those items that were determined to have elevated levels of mercury (greater
than 3,000 ng/cubic meter) were designated for disposal. The remaining items
were allowed to air out until mercury vapors had dissipated substantially and
were eventually returned. The floor of
the bedroom was treated with raw sulfur, which has then removed with a mercury
vacuum.
On September
14, EPA conducted clearance sampling of the residence at three separate
locations and found that mercury vapor concentrations were below 1,000 ng/cubic
meter. At that time, OSC Dunkelman
advised the residents that mercury vapor levels in the residence were below
ATSDR and EPA standards, and that EPA considered the building safe for
reoccupation.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
Law enforcement
agencies have been investigating the circumstances regarding the release of
mercury at the Junior High School and the subsequent contamination of the
residence.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
Contaminated items from the house were placed in
a roll off box, for disposal at US Ecology in Beaty, AZ
Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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