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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
A3VG |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
1/29/2013 |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Time-Critical |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
2/4/2013 |
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Start Date: |
1/4/2013 |
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Demob Date: |
4/29/2013 |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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1.1.1 Incident Category
Removal action.
1.1.2 Site Description
This site includes a residential property that became contaminated with mercury on or about September 27, 2012 after a plumber removed an expansion tank from the second floor of the house, and carried it down the steps and out the front door. There was mercury contamination in the closet from which the tank was removed, in the second floor hallway, on the steps going down to the first floor, and in the first floor entranceway. There was also contamination in the basement, where the plumbers removed a section of pipe that had been connected to the expansion tank. This was evidenced by elevated mercury readings in these areas and visible beads of mercury in cracks on the floor and in the section of pipe that remained in the basement. After removing it from the house, the plumbers placed the tank on the ground in the front yard, contaminating this area as well. They then loaded the tank into one of their vehicles and removed it from the property. Once the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) was notified of the situation by the homeowner, an MDE representative contacted the plumbers, and took custody of the tank (and contaminated clothing that the plumbers had worn). The site includes the residential property as well as all locations to which mercury from the residential property has migrated or otherwise come to be located.
1.1.2.1 Location
The property is located on Crowson Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland. It is located in a residential neighborhood.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
An unknown quantity of mercury was spilled in the house during removal of an expansion tank on the second floor that at some time in the past was part of the home heating system. It was no longer in use.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
Elevated levels of mercury were observed in the residence. Levels up to 94.5 micrograms per cubic meter were observed in the room from which the expansion tank was removed. Visible beads of mercury were observed in the second floor room, on the steps leading to the first floor, and in the basement.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
On Thursday, 2/21/13, air sampling in accordance with NIOSH method 6009 was conducted at eight locations throughout the house. Results from this sampling indicate that all areas of the house are below the mercury vapor level that is considered acceptable for residential properties (1 microgram per cubic meter). This data is available in the documents section of the web page for this site.
On May 16, 2013, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry issued a health consultation to the OSC after reviewing the air sampling results noted above, and concluded the following:
"...ATSDR concludes that the mercury cleanup activities have reduced airborne mercury concentrations and subsequent exposures to below levels of public health concern. Chronic and acute exposures to mercury at the maximum level detected are not expected to be of health concern for adults, children, or breastfeeding newborns." The full letter is available in the documents section of the web page for this site.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
EPA is following up on potentially responsible parties for this site.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
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Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
The cleanup at this site is completed. No further actions are anticipated.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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No information available at this time.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.2 Cooperating Agencies
EPA appreciates the support and cooperation provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment Emergency Response Division.
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4. Personnel On Site
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No information available at this time.
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
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6. Additional sources of information
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No information available at this time.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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