- Client: Confidential (University)
- Location: Midwest United States
- Industry Sector: Higher Education / Environmental Safety
- Project Type: Emergency Mercury Remediation, Hazardous Waste Management
- Contractor: ERG Environmental Services
Project Overview
ERG Environmental Services was urgently called to a university laboratory after staff uncovered broken mercury thermometers and visible free mercury while clearing out an old storage area. Recognizing the serious risk to health and campus safety, university personnel secured the space and contacted ERG for rapid containment and remediation.
Mercury, a neurotoxin, presents immediate exposure dangers—especially in academic settings where student and staff safety are paramount. The university required a turnkey solution that could not only remediate the spill, but also reassure administration and EH&S officials of a clean and compliant environment ready for reoccupation.
Project Challenges & Client Needs
University environments demand exceptional care, communication, and discretion. ERG was selected for this emergency due to its ability to address:
- Urgent Response Needs: Mercury spills require immediate action to prevent vapor inhalation and surface contamination.
- Sensitive Environments: Work needed to be completed without triggering wider student evacuation or disrupting academic schedules.
- Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Full documentation, air quality verification, and certified hazardous waste disposal were mandatory for administrative sign-off.
ERG’s Turnkey Environmental Response
ERG deployed a certified HAZMAT response team to lead the full containment and remediation effort:
1. Mercury Containment and Surface Decontamination
- Free mercury was safely captured using specialized recovery equipment.
- Dusting agents were applied across the lab surfaces to bind dispersed mercury microdroplets.
- The room was sealed and placed under negative air pressure to prevent airborne vapor migration.
2. Air Monitoring and Verification
- ERG utilized a Jerome Mercury Vapor Analyzer to confirm airborne levels met safety thresholds.
- Clearance testing provided documented proof that mercury had been fully removed from the environment.
3. Waste Profiling, Packaging & Disposal
- All mercury-contaminated materials were classified and profiled in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
- Waste was securely transported by ERG’s DOT-certified hazmat team.
- Disposal was conducted at ERG’s Bowling Green facility, which is certified for mercury retorting and environmental recycling.
Certifications & Quality Credentials
ERG Environmental ensured complete compliance and safety through:
- HAZWOPER-Certified Field Technicians
- DOT-Certified Hazardous Waste Transport
- Internal Mercury Retort Capabilities
- Jerome Analyzer Mercury Vapor Testing
- University Lab Compliance Experience
These qualifications ensured transparent reporting and total confidence for the university’s environmental health and safety department.
Value Delivered to the Client
| Key Benefit | Outcome Delivered by ERG |
| Student Safety Assurance | Immediate spill containment and zero exposure incidents |
| Lab Restoration | Lab returned to full use without residual contamination |
| Regulatory Peace of Mind | Verified decontamination and full documentation for EH&S records |
| Campus Continuity | Minimal operational disruption thanks to discreet and rapid action |
| End-to-End Waste Solution | All mercury waste was safely profiled, transported, and disposed |
Summary
ERG Environmental Services delivered fast, expert-led emergency remediation in a high-risk university setting—ensuring safety, compliance, and operational continuity. The university was able to restore full laboratory functionality and confidently reopen the space with verified air quality clearance. Through specialized mercury handling experience and full-service waste management capabilities, ERG minimized risk and maximized institutional trust.