JAY, Maine — Spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety Steve McCausland says approximately a dozen people from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are looking into the cause of the explosion in Jay, Maine.
Teams of investigators were in Jay starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 16th, conducting interviews and seeing whether it is safe to examine where the explosion took place.
The company that owns the Androscoggin Mill, Pixelle Specialty Solutions, released a statement Wednesday saying at approximately 11:55 a.m. there was an "apparent rupture" in a pressure vessel in the pulp mill that released a mixture of wood fiber, water, and pulping liquor.
RAW MILL EXPLOSION VIDEO - **WARNING: Some may find language in the video offensive**
"We are in the preliminary stages of assessing the situation," Pixelle said in the press release. "First and foremost is our concern for the safety of our employees, contractors, and visitors on our mill site."
The press release confirmed everyone on-site is accounted for and there are no injuries, and Joel Davis of the state Fire Marshal's Office said there were only a couple of respiratory issues because of debris and dust following the explosion, but they were treated and released.
Jay Fire and Rescue gave an update via Facebook from Chief Booker regarding the air quality and debris from the explosion. Booker says the air quality is safe, and there is a nuisance smell but it isn't toxic to health.
The chemical with the pulp is classified as a mild irritant, and will dissolve over time, Booker says.
The Town of Jay will be sweeping up pulp and debris from roadways and will be disposing it at the mill landfill. Booker said if citizens want to help with the clean-up, they can sweep debris into piles and call Pixelle human resources manager Roxie Lassetter at 207-897-1307.
Pixelle said in a press release Thursday they are not in a position to estimate the exact timing of restarting the mill. "The pulp digester was significantly damaged and as a result the mill will be unable to produce pulp for a significant period," the press release says.
Pixelle says the paper machines were not affected and they are exploring options to resume paper machine operations as soon as possible.
McCausland says investigators plan to return to the mill Friday morning to continue their work.
