Safety violations and poor upkeep plagued Washington pulp mill before fatal tank collapse
Records show the Longview, Washington pulp mill had a history of safety complaints and inadequate maintenance before a chemical tank failure killed 11 workers.
Investigations of the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. pulp mill in Longview, Washington, uncovered a pattern of safety complaints, poor maintenance, and multiple environmental violations dating back to 2016. The state Department of Ecology issued 54 violation notices and fined the company $41,500, while the Department of Labor and Industries levied nearly $7,000 in fines for safety breaches. Inspectors planned to interview workers about unrelated safety concerns the week the tank collapsed, but the failure occurred as the shift began, releasing a caustic liquid that killed 11 employees.
The U.S. Chemical and Safety Board reported the company knew the tank was “not fit for continued service” months before the disaster. Chemical engineering professor Stephen Kmiotek called the repeated violations a red flag, and a wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed by Sheri Lynn King against the firm. The plant continues to face new state investigations and fines for equipment failures and chemical releases.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights how ignored safety warnings can lead to deadly industrial accidents and costly legal battles.
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