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Kansas City, Kan., High School is First in Nation to Join EPA Program to Reduce Mercury

Release Date: 10/24/2007
Contact Information: Denise Morrison, (816) 896-0027 (day of event only), morrison.denise@epa.gov

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Environmental News

MEDIA ADVISORY

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 24, 2007) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, will welcome Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kan., as the first high school in the nation to join the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program.

This program encourages public and private organizations to form voluntary partnerships with EPA that reduce the use of mercury. EPA will be removing five pounds of mercury from the school: 155 thermometers and one barometer.

Wyandotte will also sign on to the Mercury Challenge. The challenge is a pledge to identify mercury in the school, replace mercury-containing equipment with non-mercury alternatives, dispose of mercury-containing equipment safely, and help staff members learn about mercury issues and non-mercury alternatives.

WHO: John B. Askew, EPA Region 7 administrator

WHAT: Wyandotte High School joins the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program and takes the Mercury Challenge

WHEN: Oct. 25, 1 - 2 p.m.

WHERE: Wyandotte High School Recital Hall, 2501 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

WHY: The number of mercury spills has increased dramatically in the last few years. EPA on-scene coordinators have responded to more than 55 mercury spills in Region 7 since 2003.

DIRECTIONS: From Kansas City, Mo.: I-70 west to Minnesota Avenue exit, go to 25th and Minnesota. Wyandotte High School sits on the south side of the street. Parking is available in the school parking lot on the east side of the building.