Hagerstown, Md.-A March 13 dust explosion at a biosolids drying and pelletizing plant operated here by Synagro Technologies left a gaping hole in the roof, but caused no serious injuries. Synagro officials said the problem occurred in a “hot spot” in the cyclone separator where some of the particles that are recycled back into the process have the same Btu as low grade coal. Synagro Executive VP and General Counsel Alvin Thomas told Green Markets that the top on the cyclone blew off, just as it was designed. Thomas said the safety mechanism is built into the cyclone to pop off or release. “The good news is that the system worked as it was supposed to,” he added. “The bad news is that it happened at all.” The local press reported that four employees were in the building adjacent to the Hagerstown treatment plant; one sustained minor injuries but declined treatment. Hagerstown Fire Marshal Tom Brown told the press he did not know whether the explosion was related to three fires – two of them that day – that had broken out in a drying drum at the facility over two days. Thomas said the Hagerstown site is the smallest of the 700 municipal and industrial facilities served by Synagro in 40 states.
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