Two Additional Kraft Pulp Mills Under Investigation Following Longview Tank Disaster

Washington's Department of Labor and Industries has expanded its safety oversight of the state's kraft pulp industry by launching investigations at two additional paper mills following the fatal tank failure at Nippon Dynawave in Longview.

The agency announced Thursday that Smurfit Westrock in Longview and Port Townsend Paper Company in Port Townsend are now under investigation. The action follows the May 26 incident at the Nippon Dynawave kraft pulp mill, where a white liquor storage tank failed, resulting in 11 deaths and eight injuries.

Labor and Industries Director Joel Sacks said the investigations and targeted enforcement efforts are precautionary measures intended to improve worker safety across Washington's paper mills.

Governor Bob Ferguson said the state continues to mourn those killed in what officials have described as the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history. He said state agencies are working proactively to ensure employers identify and address potential hazards at facilities with similar operations.

The three mills use the kraft pulping process, which relies on a chemical compound known as white liquor to break down wood for paper production.

According to officials, the May 26 tank failure at the Nippon Dynawave facility released more than 500,000 gallons of the highly caustic chemical. The spill reached nearby waterways and the Columbia River, where it killed at least 2,000 fish. Authorities have described the event as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent history.

Josh Estes, spokesperson for the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, said the union supports the additional inspections. He said union leadership has been working with represented facilities in Washington and Oregon since the Longview incident to review operating procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.

"Safety isn't a talking point for our members. It's what they live every day. We see these inspections as a proactive step that helps strengthen workplace safety while supporting the long-term success of Washington's pulp and paper industry," Estes said.