On Sunday, April 15, 2007 EPA R10 ER Duty Officer was notified of Mercury release at a residential property within the city limits of Yakima. Apparently, approximately 8 months ago a one liter bottle of mercury was either found or provided to two youths, 12 and 16 years old, at the residence. The youths and at least two other children in the neighborhood played with the mercury over the ensuing period. The 16-year-old was admitted to a hospital in Seattle late last week, being diagnosed with mercury poisoning. The Yakima Fire Department, Yakima County Health Department and Washington Department of Ecology responded to the spill. With the assistance of a response contractor, Ecology cleaned up visible mercury along the uncontrolled access street and sidewalk. Spilled mercury was thought to likely still in the fenced yard and the home and concern exists over other potential areas of significantly hazardous contamination, including other homes, schools, vehicles, etc. Although the fire department made a preliminary inquiry in the neighborhood, it was not comprehensive or conclusive. EPA assistance was requested to lend technical advise and possible cleanup. OSC Kathy Parker and two EPA START3 contractors were dispatched early Monday morning. Additional resources including an OSC, Greg Weigel, 2 STARTS and 4 ERRS contactors were mobilized to determine the extent of contamination and address remaining unsecured contamination. Mercury vapor screening found high levels of mercury in the home of the boy suffering mercury poisoning and in the neighboring home. Hot spots were identified in the yards of the two homes, and adjacent sidewalk. EPA initiated additional assessment and cleanup
