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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
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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: |
PRP |
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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: |
3/12/2014 |
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Start Date: |
3/12/2014 |
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Demob Date: |
3/13/2014 |
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Completion Date: |
3/14/2014 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
1076534 |
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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 to an uncontrolled release of Mercury.
1.1.2 Site Description
Over twelve pounds of free mercury was released in a power plant (volumes were determined by amount removed). The mercury had previously been stored in a tub-like container inside a storage locker. The storage locker was transferred to another part of the power plant, which allowed the mercury to spill throughout the power plant. The source of the mercury in the storage locker is unknown.
1.1.2.1 Location
1 Shircliff Way, Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County).
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
After the Mercury was released throughout the power plant due to being inadvertently spilled, workers in the power plant walked through the mercury which contaminated their shoes. Some of the workers then exited the plant which allowed for the cross contamination of mercury into the environment. Furthermore, due to the presence of free mercury remaining in the power plant, the threat of release due to cross contamination remained until cleanup actions could be completed.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
Initial screening conducted by both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Responsible Party's cleanup contractor indicated mercury vapors were present at levels requiring the use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. An initial assessment by the EPA revealed the same findings.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
On March 12, 2014, Contractors working for ABM Healthcare Support Services at the St. Vincent Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, spilled over twelve pounds of mercury in the power plant at the hospital. The spill occurred when the workers moved a storage cabinet, which contained free mercury stored in a tub-like implement, from one side of the plant to the other. A hospital employee noted free mercury spread throughout the plant and enacted their emergency response procedures. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection responded, and after conducting initial screening activities, which indicated extremely high levels of mercury contamination, notified OSC Russell and requested EPA assistance. OSC Russell responded the evening of March 12th.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
A cleanup contractor was retained by the Responsible Party. All free Mercury was removed and remediation actions were initiated on March 12, 2014. Cleanup was completed the evening of March 13, 2014, and clearance procedures were initiated and completed on March 14, 2014. Furthermore, all employees that came in contact with the Mercury had their footwear screened. Any shoes that were found to be contaminated were properly disposed of.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The Responsible Party has been identified.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| Mercury |
Liquid |
>12 pounds |
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X |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
All free mercury and mercury contaminated materials have been removed and properly treated and/or disposed of. Furthermore, all response actions have been completed. In turn, no future activities are anticipated.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
No future response activities are planned.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
None
2.2.2 Issues
None at this time.
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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
Both the Responsible Party and the Cleanup Contractor provided Safety Officers.
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
N/A
2.5.3 Information Officer
N/A
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
US EPA, FDEP, and the Responsible Party
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
Florida Department of Health, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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4. Personnel On Site
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US EPA: 2
FDEP: 1
RP: 3
RP Cleanup Contractor:6
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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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