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A faulty package leaked mercury among distribution equipment in the FedEx hub facility in Memphis. At approximately 1345 on 10/8/2009 FedEx personnel identified visible mercury on the floor and chute along one of the sorting conveyors. The safety office and dangerous goods office were immediately notified, and personnel in the affected area were promptly evacuated.
FedEx obtained USES, subcontractor to XL Environmental, to perform the response and flew in USES response gear from Jackson, MS on a FedEx aircraft to expedite appropriate response activity.
USES conducted air monitoring and collection of visible mercury. Approximately 1 fluid ounce of free mercury was collected by 0100 10/9/2009; estimated spilled volume is 4 to 6 fluid ounces.
Affected area in distribution building includes a 30-foot package chute, 400-foot steel-strip conveyor, and the concrete floor. Ventilation and doorways to the building were shut down between sorting periods to reduce air flow for monitoring and point source detection.
OSC Huyser and START consultant Tetra Tech responding.
- Assess extent of migration of mercury;
- Ensure safety of response and facility personnel;
- Conduct oversight of removal activities; and,
- Support removal activities with air monitoring and technical assistance where needed.
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