CSB launches investigation into Woodland Pulp chemical release

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced yesterday it is opening an investigation into the Jan. 27 fatal chemical release at the Woodland Pulp, LLC facility in Baileyville, Maine.

The incident resulted in the death of one person, a 20-year University of Maine student who was participating in an internship at the facility, and injured nine other workers, two of them seriously. One of the workers remains hospitalized.

Hydrogen sulfide may have been released in confined space

According to initial information submitted by the company to the CSB, the incident may have involved the mixing of concentrated sulfuric acid with sulfurous compounds in an enclosed process sewer, resulting in the generation and release of hydrogen sulfide - a highly toxic gas - in the Bleach Plant area of the facility.

“This terrible tragedy is deeply concerning,” said Steve Owens, CSB Chairperson. “The CSB’s investigation will seek to determine the cause of this deadly incident and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again.”

The CSB’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the release, including the company’s chemical handling practices, process safety systems, and emergency response actions.

A team of CSB investigators has already been deployed to the incident scene. As the investigation proceeds, the CSB said it will gather evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze relevant documents and data. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.