54: Midland Resource Recovery

In 2017 during an Odoriser decontamination procedure in West Virginia, two people were killed when it unexpectedly exploded. Barely a month later, a similar procedure at the same site led to a second explosion, killing someone else. We examine how poor hazard analysis and legal interference led to yet another fatality...right in front of the eyes of the investigators on site.
With John Chidgey.

Formal Report:

• Midland Resource Recovery Explosion


• Midland Resource Recovery Factual Update (PDF)


• Improving Reaction Hazard Management (PDF)

News Releases and Articles:

• Chemical Tank Explosion in Barbour County Kills Two Employees Plus One Severely Injured


• One Dead After Another Explosion at Midland Resource Recovery


• Midland Resources Recovery Explosion Kills 2, Injures 1


• McDonald Volunteer Fire Chief Laid To Rest After W.Va. Explosion


• Widow Blames Natural Gas Odorization Company for Husband’s Death


• CSB releases final report on explosions at Midland Resource Recovery Facility


• Midland Resource Recovery Explosion 2017


• Second Fatal Explosion at Midland Resources Recovery

General Information:

• About Midland Resource Recovery


• The Growing Importance of Mercaptans


• Sodium Hypochlorite (PDF)


• Principles of Natural Gas Odorization (PDF)


• Attorney-Work Product Privilege

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Episode Gold Producers:
'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers:
Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.