The Kansas Department of Health and Environment submitted a Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) to EPA on January 12, 2021 to assess and coordinate disposal of about 15 pounds of mercury abandoned along a gravel road in Leavenworth County, Kansas. A resident observed a box with a glass jar of mercury in it along the side of a gravel road, transported the box in the bed of his pickup truck and placed the box on his driveway at 27319 179th St., Leavenworth, KS. The resident contacted local authorities who placed the box in a secure building until disposal could be arranged.
On January 13, 2021, EPA On Scene Coordinator Doug Ferguson responded to Leavenworth County, Kansas, to assess the incident. OSC Ferguson met with the Leavenworth County Emergency Manager, Chuck Magaha. Magaha stated that there was no indication that visible mercury had been released at the scene or during transport. OSC Ferguson used a Lumex Mercury Vapor Analyzer to screen the area where the mercury container was abandoned, and to screen the County Emergency Manager’s vehicle that was used to transport the container. Screening results at the location and in the vehicle, did not indicate mercury vapors above levels of concern. While on site, OSC Ferguson coordinated with the Leavenworth County Household Hazardous Waste facility in Lansing, KS, to arrange for proper disposal of the mercury and contaminated debris. The mercury filled jar and cardboard packaging was overpacked by OSC Ferguson then transported to the Leavenworth County solid waste facility located at 24967 136th St, Lansing, KS 66043, for final disposal management. OSC Ferguson called the property owner at 27319 179th St. Leavenworth, KS, and determined the jar of mercury was not opened and never entered the residence and no additional screening of the residential property or vehicle was warranted.
