Recovery crews reached a somber milestone on Friday, retrieving the body of another worker following the chemical rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. Mill in Longview, Washington. This latest recovery brings the confirmed death toll to nine, with two additional individuals still missing and presumed dead. The incident, which occurred Tuesday, is now considered the worst industrial accident in Washington state in a century.
Did You Know? The massive vat involved in the rupture held 900,000 gallons of “white liquor,” a caustic chemical used in the paper-making process to turn wood into pulp.
Expert Insight: The dual challenge of an ongoing recovery operation alongside a complex environmental mitigation effort creates a high-stakes environment for local, state, and federal agencies. While the immediate priority is the humane recovery of the victims, the structural instability of the site—combined with the presence of tens of thousands of gallons of corrosive liquid—suggests that the transition to a full-scale investigation into the root cause will be a unhurried, methodical process.
Current Search and Recovery Efforts
Operations at the site remain difficult and precise. Longview Fire battalion chief Matt Amos noted that while crews have successfully deployed vacuum trucks and extended hundreds of feet of hose to remove liquid from the site, searchers must maintain a safe distance from the ruptured tank. Air quality readings in the immediate area have shown improvement, but the presence of corrosive material continues to hinder access to certain sections of the mill.
Beyond the search for the missing, officials are working to preserve evidence for future investigations. Because the site is currently criss-crossed by damaged powerlines and heavy equipment, and with several walls blown out by the release, direct access remains limited. Officials have relied primarily on drone imagery to assess the extent of the damage, and they have not yet established a timeline for when the site will be fully accessible for investigators.
Environmental Response and Mitigation
State and federal agencies are coordinating to address the environmental impact of the chemical release. While the spill initially led to elevated pH levels in the Columbia River, officials have reported that no dead fish have been observed in the river itself. Efforts are now focused on flushing out ditches near the city’s groundwater wells to ensure water safety; public works officials have confirmed that drinking water in Longview remains safe.
To assist in the flushing process, water is being diverted from the Cowlitz River and, more recently, from Lake Sacagawea. Residents may notice a drop in water levels at the city’s man-made lake as these efforts continue. Environmental coordinators have cautioned the public to avoid ditches where chemical levels remain high and to report any sightings of dead fish to wildlife officials rather than attempting to handle them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the search for missing workers?
As of Friday, nine deaths have been confirmed. Two individuals remain missing and are presumed dead. Recovery efforts are ongoing but are described as slow and challenging due to the hazardous conditions at the site.
Is the local water supply safe?
Yes. According to the Longview Public Works Director, the city’s drinking water remains safe. Flushing efforts are underway in local ditches to normalize pH levels.
When will the investigation into the cause of the accident begin?
The investigation is expected to intensify once the remains of all victims have been recovered and the site is deemed safe enough for investigators to access the damaged areas.
What additional measures might be taken to ensure the safety of the surrounding environment as the cleanup progresses?
