Residents of Rumford, Maine, were left puzzled and concerned on Tuesday when brown-colored snow blanketed parts of the town. Town officials confirmed the unusual event on Facebook, linking it to a malfunction at a nearby paper mill, which released a byproduct known as spent black liquor—a common residue in paper production.

Cause of the Brown Snow

The strange snow was traced back to a local paper mill malfunction. According to the US Energy Information Administration, black liquor is a byproduct of the paper production process that can become airborne under certain conditions.

Officials’ Immediate Warning:
Initially, officials issued a warning to residents not to touch the snow, citing early tests that showed a pH level of 10, classifying it as alkaline and a potential skin irritant.

Testing and Safety Findings

Further analysis conducted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection revealed the snow’s pH levels were 8 or lower, easing concerns about its safety. While not toxic, the brown snow still raised public health and environmental questions.

Safety Recommendations:

Avoid direct skin contact with the snow.
Keep children and pets away from affected areas.
Do not ingest or play in the snow.

Officials reassured residents:

“We are confident that public safety concerns are minimal. However, out of an abundance of caution, please avoid direct skin contact or ingestion.”

Public Response and Cleanup Plans

You can see the brown tinge to the snow at the #Rumford ball fields.

Again, the town says what was released from the mill is non-toxic BUT it can irritate skin. People & pets are being told not to touch the discolored snow. https://t.co/YAbepxeYeC @WGME https://t.co/w0QjPbuJFJ pic.twitter.com/tlU4vJ34pp

— Dan Lampariello (@DanWGME) December 10, 2024

The brown snow created an unusual scene, with photos showing it covering sports fields and lawns. To address public concerns:

The paper mill committed to covering the costs for third-party testing.
Officials notified the local school district to ensure children stayed clear of the affected areas.
Upcoming rainfall, expected on Wednesday, was anticipated to wash away the brown snow from homes and public spaces.

Residents were encouraged to contact the town manager’s office for additional concerns or queries.

Conclusion: Minimal Risk, But Stay Cautious

While testing confirmed that the brown snow posed minimal risks, town officials emphasized caution to ensure public safety. This unusual event serves as a reminder of how industrial mishaps can impact communities. The quick response from officials and the paper mill highlights efforts to address such situations effectively.

Residents can now look forward to clearer skies—and cleaner snow.