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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
B455 |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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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: |
12/14/2009 |
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Start Date: |
12/15/2009 |
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Demob Date: |
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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
Residential mercury release.
1.1.2 Site Description
On 12/10/2009, the FDEP Bureau of Emergency Response was notified of a residence in which a shed was on site that allegedly contained three 10-pound containers of mercury. FDEP/BER responded to the site and properly secured the storage shed in question. Shortly thereafter, FDEP/BER requested US EPA assistance with conducting an assessment at the site. On 12/15/2009, FLDEP and EPA Florida outpost OSC Russell conducted an assessment at 740 Lexington Ave, Pensacola, Florida, based on the report of mercury in a shed of a residence within a heavily populated neighborhood. The assessment revealed that five 10-pound containers of mercury were improperly stored in the shed and that one of the containers was found to be leaking and free mercury was on the ground.
1.1.2.1 Location
740 Lexington Ave, Pensacola, Florida.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Up to 10 pounds of elemental mercury released to a closed shed on a residential property; an unknown amount of elemental mercury released into the environment, and approximately 20 pounds of unsecured mercury remains on the property. Elemental mercury is a naturally occurring metal which is a liquid at room temperature. Mercury is not readily absorbed into the human body by ingestion or touch, but it produces vapors at room temperature which can be harmful to human health if inhaled. Exposure to high levels of mercury vapor can cause damage to the brain, kidneys and lungs, and may cause severe damage to a developing fetus.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
N/A
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
N/A
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
OSC Russell determined that immediate removal activities were necessary to prevent further migration ahead of inclement weather, and response contractors were needed on-scene immediately. A notice-to-proceed was issued to SWS of Pensacola who began removal operations under the direction of OSC Russell. A "merc vac" was utilized to remove the visible elemental mercury. Furthermore, the 5 containers of mercury were removed and properly stored. It is anticipated that the mercury will be recycled via a contractor. START contractor OTIE is en-route to assist OSC Russell with air monitoring and documentation support.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The only viable PRP identified is the property owner. The PRP inherited the property upon the death of his mother in 2007. The PRP has been incarcerated over 17 years and is currently incarcerated. OSC Russell met with the PRP at the incarceration facility and explained the situation at the Site. The PRP advised that his father had been a technician that worked on various pieces of equipment that contained mercury and that his father has been deceased for nearly 10 years. He further advised that he had no knowledge of the mercury in the shed and that he had only recently (within the last two years) inherited the property. When the scope of actions needed were explained to the PRP, he advised that he did not have the funds to conduct the removal actions. OSC Russell advised that the US EPA would move forward with the removal actions upon receipt of a signed Access Agreement. The PRP signed an Access Agreement presented by OSC Russell.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
N/A
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Medium |
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Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
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2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
- Assess extent of migration of mercury;
- Ensure safety of response and facility personnel;
- Secure release of mercury and prevent further migration;
- Conduct removal activities; and,
- Support removal activities with air monitoring and technical assistance where needed.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
-Begin invasive measures to remove any remaining elemental mercury.
-Continue air monitoring activities.
-Perform "clearing" activities once the mercury has been removed.
2.2.2 Issues
N/A
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2.3 Logistics Section
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There are currently no logistical issues for this response.
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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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2.5.1 Safety Officer
A Site Safety Plan has been generated for the response and presented to all participants.
The initial entry team made their initial entries in Level B PPE.
2.6 Liaison Officer
The OSC is filling the position of Liaison Officer for this response.
2.7 Information Officer
N/A
2.7.1 Public Information Officer
N/A at this time.
2.7.2 Community Involvement Coordinator
N/A at this time. If warranted, a CIC will be deployed to the Site, however, it does not appear that this will be necessary.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
The Unified Command consists of the US EPA Region 4 Florida Outpost, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Emergency Response Manager, and the PRP.
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
FLDEP Bureau of Emergency Response is on site.
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4. Personnel On Site
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EPA OSC (1)
START (en-route)
SWS (4)
FLDEP (2)
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5. Definition of Terms
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N/A
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6. Additional sources of information
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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
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6.2 Reporting Schedule
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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N/A
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