By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – A methane leak was the apparent cause of an explosion late Tuesday night at a Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District wastewater treatment plant in St. Louis County.
The explosion at the Missouri River plant in Maryland Heights caused significant damage, but no injuries. The utility says all employees evacuated safely before the explosion after they heard a high-pitched whistle sound, indicating a pipe rupture. The company says methane is a natural byproduct of the wastewater treatment process.
The plant will continue to operate at full capacity.