The National Response Center notified EPA (NRC Report #755445) a small bottle of suspected nitroglycerin had been detonated in Krum, Texas by the Denton County Bomb Squad. The material was later determined to be mercury. The detonation occurred in the parking lot of Krum City Hall. Bales of hay were stacked around the bottle to dampen the explosion. Upon realization of the identity of the contents, the City of Krum Fire Department was contacted to collect the explosion containment debris. Six bales of hay were placed in plastic bags and approximately 70 pounds of mercury contaminated asphalt aggregate was collected and placed in a drum. The items were then stored in the Krum Fire Department fire engine bay. OSC Enders and an EPA Site Team have been mobilized to assess site conditions and to begin cleanup operations.
