The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 responded to a spill of elemental mercury in a residence. The mercury presumably originated from a boiler in the basement of the residence, which had been removed and replaced approximately 9 years ago, according to the resident. Elemental mercury was discovered by the homeowner in the basement and was reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on October 13, 2014. KDHE submitted a request for federal assistance to EPA on the evening of October 13, 2014. The EPA Region 7 OSC coordinated with KDHE, the County Emergency Manager, and the Sherriff’s department. EPA mobilized START and ERRS on the evening of October 13th, and arrived at the residence at approximately 0800 on Tuesday, October 14, and met with the Sherriff and the homeowner. There was evidence of elemental mercury in the basement of the house and mercury vapors in the residence exceeded health based action levels recommended by the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR). A fund-lead response action was initiated at that time.
