From staff reports

pnj.com

UPDATE 5:30 a.m. TUESDAY

All lanes of Muscogee Road have opened

Northbound lanes of U.S. 29 are open, but southbound lanes remain closed.

Information hotline activated. For questions or concerns pertaining to the International Paper explosion, call 850-968-4208. the hotline is available 24 hours a day until further notice

The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the substance on the road after the blast was black liquor — a waste product in the paper manufacturing process — in a news release Monday. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) filed by International Paper, however, states that black liquor can cause severe skin burns and eye damage; it is toxic to aquatic life; it can be corrosive to the respiratory tract and can corrode metals.



International Paper explosion: US 29, Muscogee Road open

MONDAY UPDATES:

UPDATE: NOON

Escambia County Schools Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said buses in the Cantonment area will be delayed as kids come home from school later today as cleanup continues around paper mill.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.:

Here is the latest from Escambia County officials concerning the clean up efforts around International Paper in Cantonment:

U.S. 29 from Woodbury Circle to Morris Avenue is still closed. Crews are working to clear the roads. Openings will be announced as they happen. Plan alternate routes around the area until the roads are open and allow extra time for your commute. See the latest on road closures in Escambia online at www.myescambia.com/roadissuesmap, 24/7.

The process of roadway cleanup includes placing sand on the roadway and collecting the mixture of sand, pulp and paste, containerizing the material and transporting it to a staging area at International Paper. pH testing is being conducted to ensure cleanup was effective and to ensure that the roadway is safe for drivers.

Escambia County Water Quality and Land Management Staff are testing local waterways for potential environmental impacts.

UPDATE 9:45 a.m.:

Statement from International Paper:

"(On Sunday night, International Paper in Cantonment) experienced a manufacturing process failure that released a mixture of wood fiber, water and pulping liquor into the surrounding area. If you or your pets have had contact with the materials, please wash the affected area for 15 minutes with soap and water. If you are experiencing skin irritation or respiratory issues, please see your doctor. Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.

For those nearby the facility, we are working with response agencies from the county and state and will have additional information as it becomes available.

If the materials have come into contact with your vehicle, please thoroughly wash your vehicle and avoid contact with the material."

A representative with International Paper said they are still investigating the cause of the blast.

UPDATE 9:15 a.m.:

Crews are on the scene cleaning up after Sunday night's explosion at International Paper in Cantonment. Still no word on the cause of the blast.

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE, 7 a.m.:

Here is the latest on road closures from the Florida Highway Patrol:

US 29 is closed at Muscogee Road to the north.

US Hwy 29 and Tate Road to the south.

Muscogee Road and Jacks Branch Road to the west and County Rd 95A from Woodbury Place to Muscogee Road.

At this point there is still no time frame on how long the roadways will be closed for cleanup.

The substance on the roadway is called “Black Liquor”. It is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. The State Fire Marshall is on scene and there are trucks with sand on standby to begin the cleanup.

The Escambia Sheriff’s Office is on scene assisting. Currently FHP personnel assigned to this incident due to road closures.

On Sunday, an explosion was reported at International Paper in Cantonment.

According to Escambia County officials, reports of an explosion began to come into Escambia County Emergency Communications around 7:38 p.m.

Here is what we know:

All employees have been accounted for with no fatalities or injuries.

Escambia County emergency crews are still on scene.

Plant officials are evaluating damage at International Paper.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is also on scene and assessing the situation.

U..S. 29 from Woodbury Circle to Morris Avenue and Muscogee Road from 297A to Highway 29 are closed. Crews are working to clear the roads and they are anticipated to open by day break. Avoid the area if possible until that time. See the latest on road closures in Escambia online at www.myescambia.com/roadissuesmap.

Schools will be open today. All buses parked near the IP facility have been checked and have been cleared.

International Paper staff with questions about reporting to work are asked to contact their immediate supervisor.

ASH, PULP MATERIAL:

Ash and pulp material may be present in areas around the mill and roads. If you come in contact with the pulp material (which is a sticky substance), it is advised that you immediately wash your hands with warm or cold water and vinegar. Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. If your vehicle comes in contact with the pulp material or ash, you are encouraged to wash your vehicle.

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Explosion at International Paper in Cantonment; no injuries reported