Late in the afternoon on 27 August 2012, the Hazardous Materials Response Division of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services requested assistance from EPA at a residence in Maynard, Massachusetts, where many bottles of hazardous substances had been discovered, including mercury, chloroform, and ammonium tartrate. Empty boxes of munitions were discovered, raising a concern that other boxes may be present that are not empty. The response OSC was dispatched to the scene, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m.
The OSC determined that an emergency removal action is appropriate based on site conditions and because neither the City of Maynard, Fire Services, nor the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (also responded) is able to address the situation. A task order was issued to the ERRS contractor to begin work the following day.
The START contractor was dispatched concurrently to provide air monitoring support and prepare an initial inventory of chemicals. Fire Services and the Maynard Fire Department remained on scene to support this activity.
One person that lives in/owns the house is staying with a friend for the immediate future.
