At approximately 11:00 A.M. on December 14, 2023, mercury was discovered by a contractor during renovation activities in the basement of a residential home in Kansas City, Missouri. It was reported that the contractor observed two tablespoons of mercury. The residents, their children, and the contractor evacuated the home and contacted Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) to report the spill.
MoDNR deployed two State OSCs to assess the situation. The front entrance was screened for mercury vapors and concentrations were greater than or equal to the 50,000 nanograms per cubic meter. MoDNR did not make entry to the building. MoDNR contacted Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services to assist the residents.
On December 14, MoDNR contacted the EPA Region 7 Spill Line to request assistance with the reported release. This incident occurred within EPA Region 7 jurisdiction and EPA Region 7 assumed the response lead. Two Region 7 On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) and EPA's START contractors deployed to the incident location.
On December 19, after five days of heating, venting, and free elemental mercury removal operations, the mercury monitoring level areas (basement, first floor) were below the residential target of 1000 ng/m3. After consultation with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), EPA OSCs informed the homeowners that they could re-occupy their residence.
The removal action is closed.
