TOWN AND COUNTRY, Mo. — The Town and County post office will be closed for a minimum of seven to 10 days after a mercury spill happened Monday, according to Congresswoman Ann Wagner's office.
Town and Country Police Capt. Jeff McNutt told 5 On Your Side that officers responded to a minor hazmat situation at the post office at 1100 Town & Country Commons Drive.
Wagner, who represents the area, said that her office has been in contact with post office officials who told her that the spill happened after a customer did not disclose mercury in their package.
"Generally speaking, this is not anything nefarious," shared Wagner, "people aren't trying to harm someone. Believe it or not, it is usually contained in an antique of some sort."
Wagner's office pushed USPS for an alternative mail option for residents. The Congresswoman told 5 On Your Side that USPS is moving mail service to the Ballwin office and that P.O. Box customers can go to the Chesterfield location on Ridge Road.
There are options, yet regulars are anxious for their branch to reopen.
"I love this post office," Beth Osiek said with a smile. "I consider this post office one of the best kept secrets in the area and the people here are phenomenal."
Town and Country Police confirmed no one was harmed in the spill and there is no danger at this time.
"We've been in contact with members of the postal inspectors and the postal service, I've had no indication and no reason to believe there is any danger to the public," Town & Country Police Chief Daniel Wilkey said.
A USPS spokesperson on Tuesday shared the following statement announcing the temporary closure:
"The United States Postal Service has implemented an emergency suspension of the Town and Country Post Office, effective immediately. Out of an abundance of caution, USPS will not operate out of this facility in order to evaluate and mitigate suspected environmental concerns."
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