http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/hill-air-force-base-in-utah-facing-fines-for-vacuuming-mercury-spill-storing-waste-for-years/2012/03/14/gIQAxISOCS_story.html
At the Hill Air Force Base in Utah large amounts of mercury began to leak in 2007. This leak was kept secret from most and was cleaned up. However the clean-up was done by unlicensed workers and cleaned up with everyday vacuum cleaners. To top the whole thing off, the waste was stored in plastic containers and distributed throughout the facility with at least one buried underground. Luckily the spill didn't cause harm and even though the clean-up was improperly treated, no one has shown severe symptoms. It was reported that 60 pounds of mercury leaked out and due to such the Air Force Base may have to pay a maximum of over $18 million [$13,000 a day]. The low-level exposure could easily cause muscle tremors and personality changes, or even damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and brain. Even though a large fine may be necessary, at least in the end the problem had no severe effects on anyone.
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