EPA Begins Chemical Removal at Dormant Cosmo Specialty Fibers Mill

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Ecology and local emergency-response agencies, has begun a time-critical removal action at the dormant Cosmo Specialty Fibers pulp mill in Cosmopolis.

The action follows more than two years of assessment by EPA and Ecology of conditions at the non-operational facility. More than 750,000 gallons of chemicals and other materials remain at the site, while aging storage tanks, treatment systems and environmental equipment have continued to deteriorate.

Ecology requested EPA assistance in April 2026, citing concerns that deteriorating conditions and limited staffing at the facility could pose unacceptable risks to the surrounding community, the Chehalis River and Grays Harbor.

Under the removal action, crews will safely remove chemicals from above-ground tanks and containers, neutralize acids and bases where appropriate, and transport hazardous chemicals, fuels, oils and other dangerous wastes to approved disposal facilities.

The work is expected to continue for approximately five months, generally Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may notice increased contractor activity, equipment and truck traffic in the area. Ecology spill-response vehicles may also be present as part of planned oil removal.

Local officials emphasize that the operation is precautionary and that there is no immediate threat to the public. Air monitoring and site security will remain in place throughout the project.

“Protecting the safety of our community remains our highest priority,” said Cosmopolis Mayor Linda Springer. “We appreciate the strong partnership between local, state, and federal agencies as this long-planned effort moves forward. The city will continue working closely with our partners and will keep residents informed throughout the project.”

The EPA's action follows regulatory proceedings involving Cosmo Specialty Fibers and former mill operator Weyerhaeuser. In 2025, Ecology entered into agreed orders with both parties requiring them to begin the investigation and cleanup process under Washington's Model Toxics Control Act.

Ecology also previously announced more than $2 million in environmental fines against Cosmo Specialty Fibers related to alleged failures involving hazardous chemical storage and deteriorating environmental infrastructure.

Cosmo Specialty Fibers chairman Richard Bassett has disputed regulators' characterization of conditions at the mill. Bassett maintains that materials including red liquor are safely stored in purpose-built tanks and that removing them could complicate efforts to restart the facility.

Bassett has said the company remains committed to restarting the mill and believes the project could generate significant economic benefits for Cosmopolis and the wider Grays Harbor region. He estimates that an initial restart would require at least $100 million in investment and restore approximately 210 jobs.

The EPA and Ecology's current removal action is focused on addressing immediate risks associated with materials remaining at the dormant facility. Longer-term environmental investigation, cleanup planning and potential redevelopment of the site will proceed through the applicable regulatory process.