On April 8, the Chicago Department of Health (CDOH) contractor reported a spill of elemental mercury to the National Response Center. The spill was reported to the CDOH on April 7, and CDOH responded. Consequently, visible elemental mercury was discovered in the City owned alley and backyard of the foreclosed home at 4355 W. Hollywood (owned by CitiMortgage). CDOH closed the alley and initiated removal of the visible mercury in the alley. On April 10, CDOH issued an Emergency Abatement Order to CitiMortgage and its property manager to cleanup the contaminated areas which include the alley and a small area in the home’s backyard and garage. The contaminated portion of the alley is currently closed to the public.
On April 8 at about 1600 hours, CDOH requested technical assistance from USEPA Region 5 Removal Branch to assist in the cleanup. OSC Mendoza mobilized to the Site on April 9 and is providing technical support. ATSDR is providing support to address public health risk issues.
