A federal investigation into the release of a deadly gas at a Baileyville-based wood pulp mill found that the employer exposed workers to safety and health hazards that resulted in the death of two workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that on Jan. 27, 2026, workers at Woodland Pulp were performing a cold weather shutdown that caused exposure to high concentrations of deadly, uncontrolled, hydrogen sulfide gas. Two employees died from the exposure.

OSHA said it also investigated a March 7, 2026, chemical fire at Woodland Pulp that started after the employer released 4,400 gallons of 50 percent hydrogen peroxide that mixed with wood pulp accumulated on the ground.

The incident resulted in the deaths of two young employees, a 20-year-old co-op chemical engineering student and a 26-year-old chemical engineer who had only recently joined the company. Ten additional employees were also exposed to the toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.

Woodland Pulp received four willful citations for exposing workers to deadly hydrogen sulfide gas levels without proper alarms or breathing devices and allowing overflow wood pulp to build up in storage areas.

The employer also received eight serious citations for lack of worker training on hydrogen peroxide risks; failure to conduct medical evaluations and fit tests for respirator users; and neglecting to label chlorine and acid lines, or control hydrogen sulfide exposure risks.

OSHA proposed $794,456 in penalties.

According to OSHA, Woodland Pulp has been inspected 13 times since 2017 resulting in 13 serious and one other-than-serious citation, including an inspection started in 2017 when 14 employees were taken to the hospital after a chemical exposure in the same area covered by the current inspections.

Last month, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update on its ongoing investigation into the incident at the Woodland Pulp.

Woodland Pulp produces pulp that is sold to companies that make paper. It is the largest employer in Washington County, with approximately 310 employees

Hydrogen sulfide, also known as H2S and sewer gas, is a colorless gas known for its powerful rotten egg odor. It is extremely flammable and highly toxic. Used or produced in several industries, hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, well water, and oil and gas wells.

Topics Workers' Compensation Maine Chemicals