On February 7, 2017, US EPA OSCs Ferguson and Luetke responded to a residential mercury spill in Overland Park, KS. EPA assistance was requested by the Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) on February 6, 2017 after their initial efforts to achieve cleanup were unsuccessful.
Initial concentrations of mercury vapor in the entry room (area where the mercury thermometer was broken) were about 5,000 ng/m3. Carpet near the entry room had mercury vapor concentrations around 3,000-4000 ng/m3. After remediation activities, mercury vapor concentrations measured under 600 ng/m3 throughout the house with the exception of a gap between the entry way and the family room that had a concentration of 1,500 ng/m3. Additional remediation activities were taken and the area covered with plastic sheeting to set over night. After consulting with health professionals about site conditions, it was agreed that the home could be reassessed February 8, 2017 to ensure mercury vapor concentrations are subsiding.
OSCs Ferguson and Luetke returned to the residence on February 8, 2017 and measured mercury vapor concentrations of 510 ng/m3 in the spill area. No further remediation activities are necessary at this time.
