On March 7, 2024, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) notified EPA about a potential mercury spill that occurred in a residential unit in Corvallis, Oregon. The mercury had been contained in a small antique glass flask that was discovered in a public park by the resident of a temporary micro shelter. The flask containing the mercury was brought back to the micro shelter residence. Approximately four days later, a second individual, who was visiting, tried to help open the flask to determine its contents. This resulted in the accidental release of an estimated four ounces of elemental mercury inside the micro shelter. The released mercury came in contact with the floor, clothing worn by the individuals, and numerous personal and household items in the micro shelter. One of the individuals also entered a separate micro shelter at this location used as a communal kitchen; this was later confirmed to have elevated concentrations of mercury vapor. The field team confirmed that the mercury likely spread to several other spaces as well including a separate multiunit shelter facility.
EPA mobilized an On-Scene Coordinator and response contractors who arrived on scene at 1800h March 7th to meet with local agency partners and community organizations and to begin assessment and cleanup operations.
