Date: August 1, 2019
Location: Stamford, Connecticut (USA)
Address: 111 Harborview Avenue, 06902
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Pellet Dust
Industry: Wastewater Treatment
Equipment: Polyscyclone Drying Machine
Company: Stamford Water Pollution Control Facility
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Three Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, the Stamford Water Pollution Control Facility processes wastewater from Darien and Stamford and discharges clean water into the East Branch of Stamford Harbor. It was built in 1943 but received upgrades in 1976 and 2006.
Incident Description:
On August 2, 2019, the Stamford Advocate reported an explosion at a wastewater treatment facility in Stamford. One area resident reported hearing a noise that felt like an “earthquake” because his home shook.
Although there was no fire, firefighters joined EMS at the scene. The plant’s Director of Administration later said that the explosion occurred in a building where a machine used to dry wastewater sludge and turn it into pellets is located. A contractor had turned off a fan to make a repair and when it was powered back on, the explosion occurred.
According to the Chief Fire Marshall, investigators believe that a hot ember was drawn into the machine and ignited the dust inside.
Three people were taken to the hospital with cuts and bruises and later released. Several metal roll-up doors were blown apart, and windows at the plant were blown out. Despite the damage, the facility’s contingency plans enabled it to keep running.
Local officials and the Connecticut OSHA office were notified.
Sources:
Stamford Advocate
