USPS isolates section of Scarborough processing center due to mercury spill

SCARBOROUGH (WGME) – The United States Postal Service says a portion of its processing and distribution center in Scarborough, and delivery unit in Portland, were isolated Thursday due to a mercury spill.

Environmental contractors are conducting tests on the area.

Overnight mail processing will go forward.

Postal officials determined the cause of the spill as an old-style barometer that broke in transit.

According to the Postal Inspection Service, anyone mailing injurious or hazardous materials could face civil or criminal penalties.