This Site involved releases of mercury in an around a high school in the District of Columbia. The mercury release occurred on or about February 23, 2005 at Cardozo High School, when a student obtained a container of mercury and relaed more than two ounces of mercury onto the floor. The mercury was spead to various areas of the school and the students were gathered into the auditorium to contain the release. Later that day, appoximately 600 students were screened in the high school auditorium and contaminated clothing was collected prior to releasing the students for the day. Fortunately, this release affected school property only, and was not spread to residences or modes transportation.
EPA conducted emergency removal actions at the Site and provided assistance, technical expertise for sampling and screening, and public relations support to the District of Columbia (DC) Public Schools, the DC Department of Health, the DC Emergency Management Agency, and the DC Fire Department throughout the action. Environmental and health risks at the Site were abated during the emergency removal action; the Site will not be scored for inclusion on the National Priorities List and no further action (other than enforcement action to recover EPA's costs) is expected in connection with the Site.