The town of Rumford, Maine, found itself in the midst of an unusual weather event on Tuesday when brown-colored snow covered the area. Officials confirmed that the discolored snow was a result of a malfunction at a local paper mill, which released spent black liquor, a byproduct of the paper production process.
Initially, concerns were raised about the safety of the brown snow, as some samples showed a pH level of 10, making it an alkali and a potential skin irritant. However, further testing by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection revealed that the snow’s pH levels were actually “8 or lower,” alleviating fears about its severity.
Photos of the brown snow blanketing a local sports field prompted officials to issue guidance for public safety. While the substance was not deemed toxic, residents were advised to avoid direct skin contact and to keep pets and children away from the snow.
“We are confident that the public safety concerns are minimal at this time. However, out of an abundance of caution, please avoid ingesting or direct skin contact with the brown snow,” officials posted on Facebook.
The paper mill has taken responsibility for the incident and agreed to cover the costs of third-party testing to further assess the snow. Town officials also planned to notify the local school district to ensure that children stayed away from the affected areas.
Rain was expected on Wednesday, which was anticipated to wash the brown snow from the ground and homes, according to the town’s Facebook page. Residents with concerns about the incident were encouraged to reach out to the town manager’s office for assistance.
Overall, while the brown snow may have caused some initial alarm, it appears that the situation is under control and measures are being taken to address any potential risks. Residents can rest assured that their safety and well-being are being prioritized in the aftermath of this unusual weather event in Rumford, Maine.
