PURDUE UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER
MEMORANDUM NO. A-20
February 1, 1973
TO: Deans, Directors and Heads of Schools, Divisions, Departments and Offices
RE: Disposal of Mercury
The Indiana State Board of Health is concerned regarding possible contamination of streams and ground water through improper disposal of mercury.
Purdue University, through its many scientific laboratories, is a major user of mercury, and we have been asked to review our practices and take reasonable and prudent action to reduce the possibility of contributing to mercury pollution.
To this end all users of mercury are asked not to dispose of waste mercury but rather to collect it in special containers in each laboratory. When a sufficient quantity has been collected, say one liter or more, disposal may be handled in one of two ways:
- Arrangements have been made for Physical Plant to collect and safely dispose of waste mercury. To utilize this service, call the Fire and Safety Services Section, Telephone 749-2729. There is no charge for this service.
- The mercury may be redistilled at the Physics Department and reused in many applications. To utilize this service, call the Physics Department Glass Shop. Telephone 49-44844.
In the event of a mercury spill, Physical Plant is equipped to check the area for possible hazardous vapor levels and to collect the spilled mercury using special vacuum equipment. There is no charge for vapor level checks. However, the time of the personnel required to operate the vacuum pick-up equipment will be billed to the department involved.
I know you all share with me the desire of the Indiana State Board of Health to protect our environment and I ask your full cooperation in this important protective measure.
L. J. Freehafer
Vice President and Treasurer
