THS to remain closed through Monday

Timberline High School will remain closed through at least Monday due to mercury contamination that occurred late Thursday afternoon.

According to Clearwater County Sheriff's Department (CCSO) Chief Deputy Chris Goetz, an Environmental Protection Agency Hazardous Materials Team from Seattle arrived at THS about 12:30 p.m. today. They completed their initial assessment and found that mercury levels in the school are 50 to 60 times the normal residential levels.

On Monday, officials will determine if any further school closures will be required for the cleanup. Since school is on a four-day week, Monday's missed classes may be made up on a Friday later in the year, Goetz said.

All THS students and staff were evacuated from the building following a spill that was reported to CCSO about 4 p.m. The school was secured with no access until the hazmat team arrived, according to CCSO.

Three students had contact with the mercury that had been taken from a science lab and spilled in several different areas of the school. Those juveniles have been charged with malicious destruction of property. There have been no injuries or illnesses connected with the incident, he said.

Watch for further updates Window on the Clearwater as they become available.