by John Sucansky
Thisweek Newspapers

Two juveniles, 15- and 16-years-old, were charged with one count each of third-degree burglary in connection with mercury taken from a warehouse in Rosemount.

According to a release from the Dakota County Attorneyís office, both juveniles admitted they entered the Triangle Warehouse several times Sept. 6 through a door that was locked, but could be pushed open. The two admitted taking two jars of a liquid, but denied knowing it was mercury and that it may be hazardous.

As a result of their alleged actions, 13 homes in the mobile-home park Rosemount Woods were evacuated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Sept. 7 and eight homes still remain evacuated at this time.

Based on monitoring by state, federal and local environmental and health officials, mercury levels are now considered safe for occupancy at five of the homes and the residents have returned.

The MPCA continues to coordinate cleanup and monitoring activities with its emergency response contractors, Dakota County, the city of Rosemount, the Minnesota Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Crews have checked 162 of the 182 homes in Rosemount Woods for possible mercury contamination. Outdoor areas of Rosemount Woods where mercury was spilled remain cordoned off until cleanup can be completed. The MPCA is exploring disposal options for soil and other items contaminated by mercury.

The incident was discovered when Rosemount Police responded to the Rosemount Woods where it was reported children were playing with a substance believed to be mercury.

Officers observed the substance on the basketball court, the grass and elsewhere around Rosemount Woods. It was determined the substance was mercury and that it may be hazardous. Several children reported having mercury on them or that they had been in contact with the substance.

Mercury is a hazardous chemical that can damage the central nervous system, kidneys and liver. Both high level exposure for a short period of time or low level exposure for a long period of time can lead to serious health problems. Isolating the mercury and preventing exposure is the key to preventing serious health problems and that was done quickly in this instance, according to the release.

ìThis is an example of how criminal conduct can have a far greater impact upon a community than may have been intended. These boys did not have any comprehension of the dangers involved with the liquid they stole. We are thankful that it appears that no one sustained any serious health consequences in this incident,î said Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.

The two juveniles will make their first appearance in court on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. in Hastings.

If convicted, the two juveniles could face detention at a juvenile facility, referral to treatment or counseling program, community work service and/or small amounts of restitution.

The Dakota County Public Health Department continues to assist displaced families with shelter and other needs.

John Sucansky is at roselake.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

Top of Page

Check out this week's newspaper for more about your community.

Thisweek Newspapers
12190 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
Telephone: 952-894-1111 Fax: 952-846-2010