Small mercury spill reported at closed HoltraChem facility

ORRINGTON – Approximately 21/2 pounds of mercury that spilled onto the floor of a containment area at the closed HoltraChem Manufacturing Co. late Thursday afternoon was cleaned up promptly and resulted in “no environmental impact,” plant manager Dave Baillargeon said.

“It was by law a reportable quantity, but it is of no significance whatsoever,” he said.

“Due to the negative press we have been receiving lately, we thought it was prudent to make the announcement,” he said.

The spill occurred as the mercury was being transferred from the existing holding container into containers that were to be shipped off -site, according to Baillargeon.

During the inspection process someone noticed the container leaking “and promptly addressed the issue,” he said.

The mercury, used to make chemicals mostly for paper companies, was cleaned up using a specially designed vacuum cleaner and collection system.

The Orrington Fire Department went to the scene.

Since closing its Orrington operation in September, HoltraChem has been removing the mercury from buildings and the surrounding ground and water.

Nearly half the 130 tons of mercury has been shipped to Albany, N.Y.

Initially, the plan was to send the mercury to India, a major importer of mercury from the United States.

But last week India’s government said it would refuse shipments of the neurotoxin.