SCHRAMM, WILLIAM H., Department of Environmental Quality, Baton Rouge, LA

ABSTRACT: Mercury Manometer Meter Potential for Environmental Contamination and Remedial Options in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) estimates that approximately 10,000 sites may have been impacted by the use of mercury manometer meters. These meters have been in use from the 1940s to the present to make volumetric recordings of gases transmitted through pipelines in both the petroleum and chemical production industries.

Historically, this type of meter could receive pressure kicks which expel metallic mercury through a safety valve. This pressure relief coupled with inadequate or inappropriate maintenance/repair allowed releases of mercury to reach the soil, percolate through the soil profile and potentially impact the groundwater.

Remediation efforts described in this report, center on excavating spill areas with manual laborers trained in HAZMAT operations and protected by Level B gear including respirators. Excavation proceeds until mercury is no longer visible. Vapor readings are taken to assess cleanup criteria. Once soil vapor readings indicate no remaining mercury, confirmatory soil samples are collected, composited and transported to an environmental laboratory. Contaminated soils must be drummed, labeled, tested for Land Ban compliance, manifested and shipped to a regulated Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility.

The Ground Water Protection and Hazardous Waste Divisions of LDEQ have approved and overseen the cleanup of a number of sites across the State. Confirmatory samples including soil and groundwater obtained from excavations or test borings must meet USEPA and State guidance/regulatory levels before the site can be released from the assessment/remediation actions required by the LDEQ. Cooperative efforts have achieved cleanup goals satisfying applicable regulations or requirements.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.