Residents of Rumford, Maine, were recently caught off guard by something unusual falling from the sky—brown snow. This unexpected weather phenomenon, commonly associated with winter’s usual white flurries, left many scratching their heads and wondering what had gone awry.
On Tuesday, the town, located about 80 miles north of Portland, woke up to brown and tan snowflakes drifting down, giving the area an odd appearance. Social media posts from the town government explained the peculiar situation: “Due to a malfunction at the paper mill, there was a release of spent black liquor which resulted in precipitation of brown or tan-colored snow.”
The release of black liquor, a byproduct of the paper manufacturing process, was the culprit behind the bizarre snowfall. According to officials, the affected areas were primarily around the Rumford Mill. The town’s Facebook page details how the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) quickly got involved to assess the safety and environmental impact of the situation.
Initial tests revealed the pH level of the snow was alarmingly high at 10, which raised concerns among local authorities about potential skin irritation. A local official stated, “Official guidance is to avoid ingesting or direct skin contact with the brown snow.” Despite these warnings, the DEP assured residents the snow was non-toxic, easing some fears but still prompting caution. The snow was deemed potentially irritating to the skin due to its alkalinity.
Out of an abundance of caution, Rumford officials urged residents, as well as parents and pet owners, to keep their distance from the snow. Town officials emphasized the need to maintain safety protocols particularly for children, and local school districts were instructed to inform students accordingly, so they wouldn’t play outside with the peculiar snow.
Further investigations by the DEP continued after the initial assessments. Officials assured residents they were conducting third-party testing on snow samples for more accurate results to put any remaining concerns to rest. The mill, taking accountability for the incident, agreed to finance these additional tests, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Residents were also reminded of the significance of washing the brown substance away. The town government optimistically noted, “We are hopeful the rain tomorrow will wash most of the substance away and flush it off the ground and people’s homes or property.” And, true to their word, rain was on the way, promising to clear the area of the unnaturally colored snow.
The brown snow incident raised questions about environmental protocols and the operations of the local mill. It highlighted the importance of monitoring industrial impacts on nearby communities and addressing issues swiftly. While the situation may have caused quite the stir, it ended with town officials reiteratively ensuring public safety at every stage of the assessment.
This incident of brown snow is just one of those rare peculiarities one might encounter during the winter months, reminding us just how intriguing nature can be—even when it takes on some unexpected colors. The ordeal serves not just as a cautionary tale for Rumford residents, but also as an eye-opener for everyone concerning local environmental safety practices and communication.
With the brown snow receding thanks to incoming rainfall, residents can breathe easier, albeit with the peculiar memory of seeing their town draped in brown for just one extraordinary day. Such occurrences spark curiosity and highlight the need for transparency and prompt action when it involves public safety and environmental concerns.
