U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Crowson Avenue Mercury Spill - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region III
Subject: POLREP #1
Removal site evaluation at Crowson Avenue Mercury Spill
Crowson Avenue Mercury Spill
A3VG
Baltimore, MD
Latitude: 39.3518595 Longitude: -76.6108507

To:
From: Gregory Ham, On Scene Coordinator
Date: 1/17/2013
Reporting Period: January 4 - 17, 2013

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number: A3VG    Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Time-Critical
Response Lead: EPA    Incident Category: Removal Assessment
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:      Start Date: 1/4/2013
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID:    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
    Removal site evaluation.
1.1.2 Site Description

This site includes a residential property where a family resided up until September, 2012.  The house became contaminated with mercury on or about September 27, 2012 after a plumber removed an expansion tank from the second floor of the house, and carried it down the steps and out the front door.  There is mercury contamination in the closet from which the tank was removed, in the second floor hallway, on the steps going down to the first floor, and in the first floor entranceway.  There is also contamination in the basement, where the plumbers removed a section of pipe that had been connected to the expansion tank.  This is evidenced by elevated mercury readings in these areas and visible beads of mercury in cracks on the floor and in the section of pipe that remains in the basement.  After removing it from the house, the plumbers placed the tank on the ground in the front yard, contaminating this area as well.  They then loaded the tank into one of their vehicles and removed it from the property.  Once the MDE was notified of the situation by the homeowner, an MDE representative contacted the plumbers, and took custody of the tank (and contaminated clothing that the plumbers had worn).  The site includes the residential property as well as all locations to which mercury from the residential property has migrated or otherwise come to be located.  

 

1.1.2.1 Location
    The property is located in the 4900 block of Crowson Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland.  It is located in a residential neighborhoon.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
    An unknown quantity of mercury was spilled in the house during removal of an expansion tank on the second floor that at some time in the past was part of the home heating system.  It was no longer in use.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
Elevated levels of mercury were observed in the residence.  Levels up to 94.5 micrograms per cubic meter were observed in the room from which the expansion tank was removed.  Visible beads of mercury were observed in the second floor room, on the steps leading to the first floor, and in the basement.
2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative
    The MDE requested EPA assistance.  The homeowner also requested EPA assistance.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
    On January 4, 2013, On Scene Coordinator (OSC) Gregory Ham, with contractor support and an MDE representative, conducted a removal site evaluation of the property.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
    The agency is gathering information on PRPs and will follow up as necessary.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal
           
           
           


  2.2 Planning Section
    2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
    Based on the mercury vapor levels observed in the home, a cleanup is anticipated. 
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
    An action memorandum is being prepared.  If approved, a removal action will be initiated.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
    Preparation of an action memorandum.
2.2.2 Issues
  2.3 Logistics Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    No information available at this time.
3. Participating Entities
  3.1 Unified Command

3.2 Cooperating Agencies
    Maryland Department of the Environment, USEPA
4. Personnel On Site
      On January 4, 2013, OSC Ham, 2 EPA contractors, and an MDE representative were onsite (with the homeowner).
5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
    www.epaosc.org/crowsonavehg
6.2 Reporting Schedule
7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.