I wonder if the high methane levels are due to the river level and the ground water forcing the methane to the surface? Plausible.

Oh no here we go….they are going to blame the mill explosion on methane instead of dust. Face palm! :(

I understand that the possibilities for underground methane sources are natural gas leaks and the product of anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum/diesel spills in this case.

I would think that a rising water table would force the gas up ….. which when mixed with the oxygen in the air could become explosive I would think.

Maybe if the employees cut down on their chili bean intake, it might lessen the risk.

In the open it is just flamable when exposed to the air. In a confined space, it could be the source of an explosion. If that was the cause of the mill explosion, so be it. The wood dust would certainly have contributed to the extent of the damage in either case.

Hey, it is best that we know the cause than make a mistake.

Leaking NG line would be my bet. Years of corrosion combined with constant ground vibration from the rail yard.

@ Sine – There is no natural gas line on the site

The mill is built on top of a old dump that was used during the island cache i heard. I also heard that there was alot of sawdust and lumber under that mill.

at least in the mill i should say

Lakeland mill doesn’t use natural gas? I find that very hard to believe.

Why is that hard to believe Sine? Rustads didn’t use any natural gas either. Wood was dried using a konus system not natural gas.

No natural gas in the mill. Don’t know about the office. I believe the heat was electric.

Mill was heated by the energy system, glychol and oil were used on site.

considering the land use in the area, maybe the soil should be tested for petroleum contamination. you maybe suprised at what you find.