OSHA Won’t Cite IP For Paper Mill Explosion

June 14, 2017

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says International Paper won’t be cited of fined for the January explosion at their mill on Highway 29 in Cantonment.

A letter from OSHA says a digester at IP exploded when  gases built up inside.

OSHA acknowledged the mill’s plan to reduce the introduction of gases into the digester. They also encouraged IP to share information about the risk of explosion throughout the industry.

The plant resumed full operations in April after the January 22, 2017, explosion. The explosion caused significant structural damage to the largest pulp digester and the power house, bringing operations at the mill to a halt for just over a week.

The explosion caused an estimated $50 million in damage, most of which IP said was covered by insurance.

Pictured top: Emergency crews on the scene following an explosion January 22 at International Paper in Cantonment. Pictured below: First responders coordinate their response efforts from a command post at IP shortly after the explosion. Pictured bottom: A vehicle that was passing the mill at the time of the explosion covered in black liquor from the explosion. NorthEscambia.com file photos.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News