On 01 November 2007, EPA was requested, to respond to a residence in Goodrich, Texas and investigate a mercury release. The home is a single family dwelling in a remote residential area. A 15 year old child had possession of 8 lbs of mercury for approximately four years at this residence. On 30 October 2007, pet dogs gained access to the bottle of mercury and punctured a hole in it. As a result, the dogs spread mercury throughout the interior of the residence. Upon the discovery of the spill that evening by the residents the Polk County Sheriffs Department was notified. They recommended leaving the house and the 15 year old left but his mother remained. EPA dispatched the START-3 to investigate on 1 November 2007 and documented the mercury release. The mother relocated at that time.
On November 26, 2007, EPA initiated a mercury cleanup of the residential property. An assessment was conducted and found that the highest concentrations of mercury were located in the living room and kitchen. EPA’s ERRS and START3 contractors are conducting the cleanup. Personal belongings located in the two rooms will be inventoried, removed from the house, checked for mercury vapors, and either disposed of or stored until the house is deemed safe.
Continue the cleanup until cleanup goals are met.
Local community is collecting elemental mercury for proper disposal to prevent the need for future cleanups.
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