1.1.1 Incident Category

Removal Action

1.1.2 Site Description

The site is in a residential area. 

1.1.2.1 Location

 The home is a private residence on Bear Hollow Drive in Park City, Utah.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

This emergency removal action involves the cleanup, treatment and disposal of contaminated materials from a mercury spill in a Park City home. Conditions existing at the site present an endangerment to human health and the environment and meet the criteria for initiating a removal action under 40 CFR 300.415(b)(2) of the National Contingency Plan (NCP).

The contaminant of concern at the site is elemental mercury. Mercury is a hazardous substance as defined by Section 101(14) of CERCLA.

A couple with two small children currently lives in the home.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

Due to the large quantity of mercury involved and the use of a vacuum, which often exacerbates the problem, OSC Pete Stevenson was deployed along with START and ERRS to assess the situation and perform cleanup as required.  Stevenson, START and ERRS arrived on site midafternoon on Wednesday, June 8. 

2.1.1 Narrative

While repairing an antique clock at about 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, approximately a half cup of mercury was spilled. Most of the mercury was collected from a granite countertop and from the wood flooring, but some of the mercury entered a heating vent on the floor, and small beads of mercury were vacuumed. The family evacuated from the home, and the local fire department secured the area.

The clock was placed on a granite countertop by a clock repairman when the mercury spilled onto the countertop, the wood floor and down a heating vent and onto the floor. 

Contaminated items include chairs, cushions, a baby highchair, carpet, throw rugs, clothing, a vacuum cleaner, the garbage disposal, a trash can and other miscellaneous items.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

All actions are being coordinated with the property owners, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and the director of the Summit County Environmental Health Department.

The local fire department decontaminated the residents in the front yard and secured the home.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

ATSDR will consult with the family and family physician.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

Neil Taylor, UDEQ, and Phil Bondurant, Summit County Environmental Health, have been on site.

Total personnel: 1-OSC, 1-START, 3-ERRS, 1-UDEQ and 1-Summit County.