Rumford, Maine, paper mill malfucntion releases black liquor [Video]

RUMFORD, Maine — Rumford town officials advise residents to avoid the surrounding areas of the local paper mill following a malfunction leading to the release of black liquor—a byproduct of the paper production process.

The black liquor release came from ND Paper Rumford Division on Hartford Street at around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Rumford Town Manager George O’Keefe told NEWS CENTER Maine. 

The release resulted in the precipitation of brown and tan-colored snow, according to a social media post by the town. The brown snow has been found in areas near the mill, especially on Falmouth Street, Cumberland Street, and Waldo Street.

“The pH of this substance is 10 which is alkali and therefore a skin irritant. Although it is non-toxic it should not be touched or otherwise put in contact with skin,” the social media post states. “Maine DEP has already been notified and are on their way to take a sample. We have been in contact with the Mill …