Maine town covered in brown snow sparks outrage among locals

On a Tuesday morning, residents of Rumford, Maine, were met with discolored precipitation, resulting in widespread concern and outrage. Local business owners, including Bonnie Datchell of a nearby restaurant, observed inches of brownish-tan snow that resembled dirty spring snow. The source of the brown snow was traced back to a malfunction at the century-old ND Paper Mill, which released spent black liquor into the atmosphere. Black liquor is a waste product from processes in paper-making that can be repurposed for energy within the mill. In this instance, however, it led to the unusual snowfall that left locals speculating about its safety. Local officials responded to the incident, reassuring residents that the brown-tinted snow was non-toxic, though it could cause skin irritation due to its high pH level of 10. The town of Rumford issued statements urging residents to avoid contact with the brown snow, recommending individuals keep pets indoors and alerting school districts to prevent children from playing in the affected areas. The Department of Environmental Preservation in Maine has initiated tests on the brown snow to assess any potential health risks associated with the paper mill discharge. The paper mill has also committed to funding third-party testing to evaluate the implications of their emissions, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing public safety concerns. In the meantime, a forecasted rain was expected to wash away most of the brown snow, providing some hope to the town that the situation would improve. Despite these reassurances, concerns lingered among residents, particularly regarding the potential runoff from the snow and its impact on the nearby Androscoggin River, a critical waterway for the region. As the town navigated through this unusual weather event, the community remained vigilant about the implications of industrial emissions on their local environment. With ongoing updates from officials and environmental agencies, residents were encouraged to stay informed about the evolving situation and to take precautions as necessary until conclusive tests were completed. The event has sparked discussions about environmental regulations and the accountability of industrial operations in maintaining safety for local communities.