Search

Maine Paper Mill Explosion Results in Zero Injuries

Posted on 4/17/2020 by Lauren Scott

A paper mill in Jay, Maine erupted in black smoke on April 15, resulting in extensive damage to the facility but no injuries. Although State investigators reached an initial conclusion that chemicals were involved, the investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

Officials at the Pixelle Androscoggin Mill believe the explosion was caused by a line rupture in the digester, where softwood is mixed with water, sodium hydroxide, and/or sodium sulfide to make pulp for specialty paper.

Emergency personnel rushed to the facility just after noon on Wednesday. Bystander videos show a mixture of wood fiber, water, and chemicals hurling out to surrounding residential areas and roadways.

Environmental investigators urged the public not to touch any of the debris until they learn more about the explosion. People who still wish to clean up dust and debris should wear gloves and a face mask.

Although no injuries were reported, some facility personnel suffered minor respiratory distress. On April 16, the town fire chief announced air within the area was safe to breathe.

The facility had been sold in February 2020 by an Ohio-based paper company to a specialty paper producer in Pennsylvania.

Stay Up to Date on EPCRA and CERCLA Regs

Make sure your facility knows its hazardous chemical inventory reporting, release notification, and emergency planning responsibilities with Lion’s Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations online course. From Tier I and Tier II regs to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting, this course goes over all the chemical inventory reporting and release reporting regulations required by US EPA, leaving you feeling knowledgeable and confident in what needs to get done to keep your facility in compliance.

This online course is perfect for busy environmental managers, safety professionals, engineers, and others responsible for achieving facility compliance. You can start, pause, and come back to the course anytime and on any computer, smartphone, or tablet. 
 

Tags: CERLA, chemical accident, EPCRA, jay maine, maine, maine explosion, paper, paper accident, paper manufacturer, paper mill explosion

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.