Mercury spill closes Brown Deer Pick 'n Save; one employee treated for elevated levels

Erik S. Hanley and Drake Bentley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·2 min read
North Shore Fire/Rescue confirmed they are operating with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Pick ‘n Save, 9200 N. Green Bay Road, in Brown Deer regarding a hazardous material situation on March 29.
North Shore Fire/Rescue confirmed they are operating with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Pick ‘n Save, 9200 N. Green Bay Road, in Brown Deer regarding a hazardous material situation on March 29.

A mercury spill closed the Brown Deer Pick ‘n Save on Friday, leading to one employee receiving treatment for elevated levels of the element.

The North Shore Fire/Rescue said it was dispatched to the Pick 'n Save, at 9200 N. Green Bay Road shortly before noon. North Shore requested the assistance of the Milwaukee Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team.

About 20 employees were evaluated and tested at the scene for possible exposure to mercury. One employee showed elevated levels of mercury and was treated on scene by paramedics.

It's unclear how the mercury was spilled on the outside of the building. North Shore Fire/Rescue did not provide an answer in a late Friday night news release.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the effects of mercury exposure can be very severe, subtle, or may not occur at all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the side effects could include irritation to the eyes, skin, and stomach, as well as cough, chest pain or difficulty breathing, insomnia, irritability, indecision, headache, weakness or exhaustion and weight loss.

Crews were on the scene for seven hours. Pick 'n Save, which is owned by Roundy's/Kroger, will hire a private contractor for further cleanup and testing, North Shore Fire/Rescue said. The store plans to reopen as soon as possible.

In addition to North Shore Fire/Rescue and MFD, the North Shore Health Department, Brown Deer Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and OSHA responded to the scene.

"The North Shore Health Department will work with Pick N' Save, its parent company Roundy's Supermarkets and a private contractor hired by Roundy's to ensure safety of the store and the products in the store prior to re-opening," according to the North Shore Fire/Rescue news release.

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mercury spill closes Brown Deer Pick 'n Save