Washington Department of Ecology

Records show Nippon Dynawave knew tank was unsafe months before collapse

Records show Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.’s Longview pulp mill had a long history of safety complaints, poor maintenance, and discharges of caustic chemicals before a May tank collapse that killed 11 workers and prompted ongoing federal and state investigations. The company faced environmental violations, safety fines, and more than $2.4 million in workers’ compensation claims, and documents indicate the tank was known to be not fit for continued service months before the failure.