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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
10ML |
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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/OPA |
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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: |
8/2/2013 |
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Start Date: |
8/2/2013 |
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Demob Date: |
8/3/2013 |
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Completion Date: |
8/3/2013 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
WAN001003144 |
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RCRIS ID: |
None |
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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
Emergency Response and Removal Assessment
1.1.2 Site Description
On August 2, 2013, EPA received a report of a mercury release in a private parking in the City of Yakima, Yakima County, Washington. The mercury reportedly was released after a suspected bomb was intentionally detonated by law enforcement. The detonation of the suspected bomb resulted in a release of elemental mercury onto the parking lot asphalt and an adjacent aggregate concrete side walk. An initial exclusion zone was established in the immediate vicinity of the detonation area (from the edge of the parking lot where the detonation occurred north to the sidewalk on W. Chestnut Street). EPA mobilized OSC Parker and the EPA START-4 response contractors to the site on August 2, 2013 to conduct an investigation and site assessment.
1.1.2.1 Location
The site is located in a private parking lot behind 106 South 11th Avenue, Yakima, Yakima County, Washington. Occupants of the office buildings and nearby residential properties use the alleyway to access their various parking spaces. In addition, the alleyway is used as a through route to various businesses in the vicinity.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
There was a threat of exposure of mercury to the public from a spill of an unknown amount of elemental mercury from the intentional detonation of a suspected bomb at the site. The mercury was dispersed into very small, but visible beads over an area estimated to be approximately 400 square feet. A potential threat of exposure is present from mercury vapors through air. Additionally, a threat of exposure was present through tracking the mercury off-site via foot traffic or vehicular traffic.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
On August 2, 2013, 2011, EPA conducted air monitoring at the site along the alleyway using two Lumex mercury vapor analyzers. Free beads of elemental mercury were observed over an area estimated to be be approximately 400 square feet. Mercury vapors were detected along the asphalt alleyway to the south and in the adjacent parking lot just south of where the suspected bomb was detonated. The mercury vapor was detected at levels greater than 30,000 ng/m3. The mercury readings were very erratic and no trend or pattern in the vicinity of the detonation location could be determined while the exposed visible mercury was present.
In order to mitigate vapors from the elemental mercury, the EPA requested the Yakima Public Works Department place a layer of hot asphalt over the the parking area, including the concrete parking stops, where the detonation occurred and mercury beads were visible. The asphalt was allowed to cure overnight. As a result of the monitoring conducted, the exclusion zone was extended to the south approximately 50 feet.
On the morning of August 3, 2013, EPA conducted air monitoring with one Lumex mercury vapor analyzer. Monitoring began at the intersection of Spruce Street and the alleyway. The vapor readings were less than 1,000 ng/m3 until southern extent of the extended exclusion zone. Once inside the exclusion zone, the Lumex readings were greater than 30,000 ng/m3. ERRS was contracted to provide an asphalt sealing crew who utilized a cold asphalt sealant to cover the remainder of the exclusion zone. In addition, a concrete sealant was applied to the aggregate sidewalk adjacent to the detonation location and the sidewalk and alleyway entrance.
A small amount of visible mercury was present between the edge of the sidewalk and the grass lawn adjacent to the detonation location. A small shovel was used to remove the mercury and soil. The soil and mercury were placed into a 5 gallon bucket and disposed at a household hazardous waste site.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
See description below
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Yakima Fire and Police responded initially to the site to investigate the presence of suspected bombs, one of which is believed to have started a bush fire. Law enforcement elected to detonate one of the suspected bombs as a method to mitigate the potential hazards. Upon detonation of the suspected bomb, mercury was discovered and Washington Department of Ecology was contacted and in turn contacted the EPA to assist with the clean up of the mercury.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The person(s) responsible for the placement of the suspected bomb has not been identified.
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
The Washington State Department of Ecology and City of Yakima removed the banner tape and "road closed" signs from around the site on 8/4/13 after allowing the slurry seal to cure for 24 hours.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
The response has been completed. No further action is anticipated.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
None
2.2.2 Issues
Any construction in the near future involving the alleyway or the detonation location would disturb the mercury and present some additional concerns. The OSC advised the property owner that mercury contamination is still present; however, the sealant utilized should prevent additional releases if left undisturbed.
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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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2.5.1 Safety Officer
START provided a Safety Officer in coordination with EPA and ERRS.
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
No information available at this time.
2.5.3 Information Officer
OSC Parker provided the local news media with information about the site and EPA's response activities. She was interviewed on camera by a KIMA reporter on 8/3/13 and responded to questions by reporters from KIMA, KMDL, Yakima Herald and a news affiliate of NBC on 8/5/13.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
No information available at this time.
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
- City of Yakima Public Works Department
- Yakima Fire and Police Departments
- Washington State Department of Ecology and
- Washington State Patrol
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4. Personnel On Site
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- 1 EPA/OSC - Kathy Parker
- 3 START Contractor personnel
- Renee Nordeen
- Eric Lindeman
- Chris Whitehead
- 2 Washington Department of Ecology, Sam Hunn - Mark Peterschmidt
- 1 ERRS
- 3 City of Yakima Department of Public Works
- 3 ERRS Subcontractor - Northwest Striping and Sealing
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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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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
No information available at this time.
6.2 Reporting Schedule
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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