CSB Probes Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Release at Maine Pulp Mill

Two workers died in January after highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas was released from holes and process openings into a process building at the Woodland Pulp mill in Baileyville, ME, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Incident Sequence

Facility operators shut down much of the mill the day before the incident to manage natural gas use. They drained equipment and fed process fluid into an acid sewer pipe. When the machinery that removes hydrogen sulfide gas from the pipe was later shut down, the toxic gas spread to other parts of the mill.

The workers collapsed while completing a project that likely was not impacted by the shutdown. They were discovered hours after emergency response operations concluded and the remaining gas had dissipated.

CSB Emphasis on Monitoring

The Chemical Safety Board states that employers can help prevent chemical releases and explosions by equipping workers and facilities with gas monitors. Agency investigators note that Woodland Pulp was aware of the hazards associated with hydrogen sulfide gas forming in the acid sewer piping.

According to Safety+Health Magazine, CSB member Sylvia Johnson said the company did not have adequate systems in place to monitor or mitigate the hazards despite that knowledge.

Investigation Status

The investigation remains ongoing. The agency states that complete findings, analyses and recommendations, if appropriate, will be detailed in the CSB’s final investigation report, according to Safety+Health Magazine.