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

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

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.