Broadrock Issues Statement on Explosion

Following the early-morning explosion at a Broadrock Renewables gas-extraction plant next to the Central Landfill, spokesman Bill Fischer released a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“At approximately 4:00 a.m. on the morning of July 16, a Broadrock
power plant employee who was conducting routine rounds of the facility
identified a small brush fire at the fence line which was affecting
pipework serving Broadrock’s engine generation facility. The employee
immediately alerted the local fire authorities who extinguished the
fire."

“The plant’s safety systems promptly shut down the electricity
generation and gas extraction equipment outside of the affected area
as an additional safety precaution to help prevent the incident from
spreading. The fire’s cause is currently under investigation, and
Broadrock is cooperating fully with the Johnston Fire Department and
other Rhode Island authorities.  Broadrock also intends to conduct its
own review of the incident. Meanwhile, landfill gas is being
collected and destroyed through alternate equipment."

“It is important to note that the incident did not occur at
Broadrock’s new state of the art power plant. Broadrock has a strong
track record of safety and have a number of systems and protocols in
place to prevent and respond to situations of this nature. The
facilities undergo regular safety inspections and Broadrock employees
routinely conduct safety reviews of the equipment.”


Read more about the Landfill blast:

See the Site of the Landfill Gas Blast

Chafee Tours Landfill Blast Site

Officials: Explosion Likely Caused by Faulty Repair Work

Polisena: Broadrock Site a 'Tragedy Waiting to Happen'

Officials Concerned about Cyanide after Gas Line Explodes at Broadrock