The State of Mississippi’s Department of Environmental Quality (MS DEQ) called EPA Region 4's Emergency Response and Removal Branch to request assistance on release of mercury to a residential area. An initial assessment was conducted by MS DEQ and their contractor (USES) of one of the homes that has been affected. Measured concentrations (370 ug/m3) determined that the home needs an emergency response action. There are also several other homes to be assessed. The assessment indicated mercury vapor levels above the acceptable limits (1 ug/m3) for a residential home. Emergency response personnel and contractors were dispatched to perform cleanup actions.
EPA, START and ERRS contractor Ferguson Harbour remobilized to the Site on Thursday December 9, 2004 to conduct demolition activities of the mercury contaminated trailer located at 37 Jim Burch. The trailer was completely crushed and placed into roll-off boses for final disposal. At the completion of the onsite activities a total of 11 roll-off boxes were ready for transporation and disposal. One of the 11 roll-offs was disposed of as a hazardous waste. All others were disposed of as non-hazardous waste.
All onsite removal actions are complete
EPA and USACE continues the process of relocation actions for the residents at 37 Jim Burch. They are currently in temporary housing provided by EPA. It is expected that the family will receive reimbursement costs for the items that were destroyed in the home and a relocation cost for tenants. EPA headquarters has agreed with the costs EPA and USACE has provided.
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