Background:
An object, presumed to be an
antique livestock thermometer, containing mercury was accidentally placed into
a washer by the resident while cleaning laundry. The object broke inside the
washer and was transferred to the dryer along with a load of laundry. Two loads
of laundry were contaminated.
What Has Been Done to Cleanup the
Site?
On the morning of October 21,
2025, the Vermont Hazardous Materials Response Team responded to a mercury
release in Newport Center, at a residential home. The Vermont response team
removed the washer, dryer, and clothing from the residence and placed a fan in
the front door entrance to provide positive ventilation. On October 23, 2025, Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) requested EPA’s assistance to
evaluate the need for a removal action at the Site. EPA initiated their
emergency response contract with its Superfund Technical Assessment and
Response Team (START) contractors.
What is the Current Site Status?
The emergency response removal action to remediate and
remove any mercury that has released or may pose a threat of release is
ongoing.
