Recovery crews found another body on Friday, bringing the death toll from the Longview paper mill chemical rupture to nine. Sadly, two workers are still missing and presumed dead.
The rescue operation at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company remains difficult. Matt Amos, Longview Fire Battalion Chief, mentioned that the process could take time due to hazardous conditions around the site.
Crews have made some progress. They brought vacuum trucks to remove liquids and moved deeper into the site, where a large vat of caustic chemical, “white liquor,” was stored. Fortunately, air quality readings in the area have improved. However, searchers are still cautious due to the risk posed by the ruptured tank, which may still hold thousands of gallons of the corrosive liquid.
Amos emphasized the precision required for the ongoing work. “It continues to be incredibly difficult for everyone involved,” he said.
As teams look for the two missing workers, they also aim to preserve evidence for future investigations, which will start once the recovery operations conclude. Access to some areas is limited, making it hard to predict how long the search will last.
In addition to recovery efforts, environmental agencies are addressing the effects of the chemical release. The incident has harmed fish in nearby dikes and raised pH levels in the Columbia River earlier this week. Longview Public Works Director Chris Collins reassured residents that drinking water is safe. The city has prioritized flushing ditches near groundwater wells, restoring pH levels to normal.
Nevertheless, in certain areas, chemical levels remain high, producing noticeable discoloration in the water. Residents are advised to avoid those ditches and report any dead fish encountered.
Environmental responders have recovered 23 fish thus far. Officials warn people not to touch or collect any dead wildlife but rather notify wildlife officials. Fortunately, no dead fish have been spotted in the Columbia River, crucial for the chinook salmon migrating upstream during this season.
Though harmful, white liquor transforms into harmless substances when mixed with natural acids. Flooding the affected areas with water helps minimize long-term environmental damage. Crews are currently pumping water from Lake Sacagawea, a popular park in Longview, to aid in this effort.
As cleanup begins at the site, the focus will shift to more detailed investigations once the missing workers are recovered. Investigators will have to navigate a complex scene marked by power lines, heavy machinery, and significant damage caused by the rupture. Brian Wood, a director at Nippon, noted that initial assessments have come from drones, indicating a painstaking process ahead.
This tragic event shines a light on industrial safety. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 2.8 million workplace injuries reported in recent years, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent such disasters. The investigation into what went wrong at Nippon could prompt stricter regulations and improved safety measures in the industry.
For ongoing updates, visit the EPA’s official page for information on environmental impacts and recovery efforts related to chemical spills.
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Southwest Washington | Public Safety
