A lightning strike at the ND Paper Mill in Rumford prompted a power outage that led to a minimal chlorine gas leak on Friday.
The power went out at the paper mill at around 3:42 p.m. Friday, according to the Rumford Falls Times. None of the surrounding areas were affected by the outage, and power was quickly restored at the paper mill.
The power outage caused ventilation systems to shut down, and chlorine gas built up in a room before being released in what was described as a “green cloud” when the power came back on.
Chlorine gas is used to disinfect drinking and other water sources, as well as in food processing systems and pulp and paper mills. It also is hazardous to human health, and exposure is known to cause bronchitis, asthma, headaches, heart disease and meningitis, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A hazardous material team was called to the site, and the gas was safely vented. No injuries or health concerns were reported at or near the mill, according to the Times. Investigators continued to monitor the mill for other potential hidden pockets of gas.