Washington Ecology Identifies 35 Environmental Violations Following Nippon Dynawave Tank Failure

The Washington Department of Ecology has issued an administrative notice to Nippon Dynawave Packaging identifying 35 alleged environmental violations following the May 26 collapse of a white liquor storage tank at the company's pulp and paper mill.

The tank failure released approximately 900,000 gallons of highly caustic white liquor across the industrial site and resulted in the deaths of 11 employees. The Department of Ecology said its notice represents an initial determination of environmental violations and does not itself constitute a final enforcement action.

Ecology, the mill's primary environmental regulator, oversees its air and water quality permits, dangerous waste compliance, spill prevention and stormwater pollution prevention plans. The agency said it does not regulate the structural integrity of the storage tank that failed.

According to Ecology, most of the alleged violations relate to the spread of white liquor after the collapse. The material reached storm drains and the facility's sanitary wastewater treatment system, with some bypassing treatment before discharging into the Columbia River. Larger volumes entered a nearby ditch, contributing to widespread fish die-offs. Environmental impacts continued for up to eight days, the agency said.

Additional alleged violations concern deficiencies in plans and training required under dangerous waste regulations.

Nippon Dynawave has 30 days to respond to the notice or provide additional information before Ecology determines whether to issue a penalty or pursue other enforcement measures. Under state law, the agency can impose fines of up to $10,000 per violation per day, while some violations may be exempt from enforcement under emergency provisions.

“This event was devastating for the Longview community, and the release of chemicals reached nearby waterways and the Columbia River,” said Casey Sixkiller, Ecology's director. “Issuing these environmental violations is an initial step toward accounting for the impacts of this tragedy.”

Ecology said it will also seek to recover state costs associated with the emergency response and may pursue a Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Separate investigations into the tank failure are being conducted by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, the federal Chemical Safety Board and the Washington Attorney General's Office.