A mercury mystery has prompted Richland, Washington fire crews and state and federal officials to block off a four-foot area in a yard on Gage Boulevard.

The state Department of Health, state Department of Ecology and the federal Environmental Protection Agency will meet today to determine how to clean up the mercury spill, said Richland fire Battalion Chief Todd Ricci.

The mercury, which looks like thick water or aluminum foil in a liquid state, was found around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in a yard behind 631 Gage Blvd. The yard is between two businesses and an apartment complex.

About an ounce of mercury, equal to about one or two tablespoons, was found on the ground.

"For mercury, that's quite a bit," he said. "As it breaks up, gets stepped on and scatters, it goes everywhere. Just like water, but it doesn't evaporate like water."

Mercury is toxic and any amount of released mercury must be reported, Ricci said.

Initial crews secured the scene and called the state Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA officials inspected the area Thursday afternoon and found more traces of mercury in the four-foot area, Ricci said.

"We still have no idea of where it came from," he said.

Access has been blocked to the private property where the mercury was found. There is no danger to the public outside the marked area, officials said.