By KLAS STOLPE
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Petersburg Post Office was closed for the second day today because of a hazardous materials spill.
The closure was confirmed by Petersburg Fire Marshal Ryan Welde.
“Yesterday they asked if I could look and come up and verify what it was,” Welde said. “Other than that they are taking care of it with their own contractors. I have no official comment on it because I believe the post office has their own contractors that are coming up to take care of it.”
Welde said he verified that the substance leaking from a parcel was mercury.
Petersburg Police sergeant Randy Holmgrain said the department was not involved in locating the owner of the package.
The post office was closed Thursday and a notice was posted on the door: “Closed - Due to Hazmat issue.”
The U.S. Postal Service issued a statement on Thursday that a package at the facility, located between the town’s airport and its downtown business center, and near a long-term care facility, had leaked some mercury.
“While the amount of mercury is not considered to be serious, the safety and security of our employees, customers and the mainstream is a top priority for the Postal Service. Out of an abundance of caution we are temporarily suspending operations at the Petersburg Post Office until the facility is deemed safe to re-occupy.”
During the closure incoming mail is being sorted at the Petersburg Indian Association where it can be picked up by local residents. The town does not have home delivery.
Petersburg Postmaster Mark Eppihimer said his four employees have been sorting daily mail in a back room of the PIA and organizing it by box number. He couldn’t comment on the hazmat operation.
“My clerks are there and we have a standard window operation,” he said. “People are walking in. They give us their ID and tell us what box number they are there for and we search for today’s flats, because we are only processing what came in today. The post office is still in lockdown as we wait in making sure it’s cleaned up and that there is no other hazard for my employees or the community.
“Surprisingly, it is going pretty well. I have a great team and they are pulling together and working hard. We’re making sure the people can get their medicine, the express mail, and all that important stuff that comes through the mail.”
