U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Lexington Ave Mercury - Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
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Subject:
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POLREP #2
Progress Polrep
Lexington Ave Mercury
B455
Pensacola, FL
Latitude: 30.5566470 Longitude: -87.2600800
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To:
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From:
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Chris Russell, On Scene Coordinator
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Date:
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12/16/2009
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Reporting Period:
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0700 12/16/2009 - 2200 12/16/2009
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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
Response Operations continue.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
On 12/16/2009, EPA OSC Russell, START OTIE Stubbs, and members of Eagle/SWS returned to the Lexington Avenue Mercury Site and continued removal operations. Various Lumex readings were conducted throughout the day. Readings ranged from 1,000 nanograms/m3 to over 100,000 nanograms/m3. Removal actions included the segregation and removal of contaminated items, invasive measures including the removal of flooring and siding, heating/venting actions, and continual assessments. By the end of the day, Lumex mercury readings were reduced significantly.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
A PRP has been identified, however, this individual has advised that they do not have the funds to initiate the appropriate removal actions.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Removal activities will continue on 12/17/2009. These actions will include: heating/venting, contamination removal, and continual air monitoring.
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
-Continue invasive measures to remove any remaining elemental mercury.
-Continue air monitoring activities.
-Perform "clearing" activities once the mercury has been removed.
-Prepare wastes for proper transportation and disposal.
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.
Air monitoring activities have continued. The levels of PPE fluctuate dependent upon the observed readings.
2.6 Liaison Officer
The OSC is filling the position of Liaison Officer for this response.
2.7 Information Officer
2.7.1 Public Information Officer
OSC Russell is filling the role of PIO. Two short interviews were conducted today with two local television stations. EPA/R4 PIO Carl Terry was advised of the interviews.
2.7.2 Community Involvement Coordinator
A Community Involvement Coordinator is not necessary at this time.
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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
ATSDR personnel have provided support to this response in reference to toxicology assessments and cleanup goals.
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4. Personnel On Site
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1 EPA OSC
1 START (OTIE)
4 ERRS (NTP Contractor Eagle/SWS)
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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
N/A
6.2 Reporting Schedule
N/A
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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N/A
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