Date: June 11, 2018
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin (USA)
Address: 1524 Atkinson Dr, 54303
Type: Potential Dust Explosion
Fuel: Unconfirmed
Industry: Asphalt Manufacture (Construction)
Equipment: Conveyor Belt and Distribution Silo
Company: Northeast Asphalt, Inc.
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: $30,000
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Northeast Asphalt, Inc. manufactures asphalt, aggregate, and concrete, and provides a full range of construction services such as asphalt paving, excavation and grading, milling and pulverizing, and agricultural services. The company produces all kinds of asphalt including hot mix, warm mix, cold mix, and specialty mixes. Machinery in their facilities includes conveyors, distribution silos and cutting and welding tools.
Northeast Asphalt Inc. has been in business for almost forty years, providing products and services to approximately thirty counties of Northeastern, North Central and Northern Wisconsin. The company’s headquarters are located in Greenville, Wisconsin.
Description of Explosion:
On June 12, 2018, Powder & Bulk Solids reported that an explosion and fire occurred at an asphalt plant on Monday, June 11. Firefighters were called to the Northeast Asphalt Inc. facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin at about 4:40 pm. The Green Bay Press Gazette reported that firefighters observed flames coming from a conveyor belt leading into a distribution silo when they arrived on site. The fire department said that plant workers had used extinguishers to control the fire before crews arrived.
The fire was contained to the conveyor and the nearby silo, although a road and parking lot close to the facility were reportedly covered with debris after the explosion. The incident occurred during asphalt processing at the site but the exact cause of the blast is unknown. Damages are estimated to be $30,000; no injuries were reported.
In 2016, Asphalt Pro reported that Northeast Asphalt Inc. had been awarded the Sheldon G. Hayes Award for excellence in construction of asphalt pavement.
Sources:
Powder Bulk Solids
Green Bay Press Gazette
Fox 11 News
