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Inspectors found Washington tank unfit before collapse, report shows
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- An inspection contractor declared a chemical tank at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company’s Washington paper mill "not fit for continued service" in July 2025, but the company did not act before the tank failed in May 2026, killing 11 workers.
- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board reported multiple inspections found significant thinning of the tank walls below safe limits, yet the tank remained in operation without repairs or derating.
- The tank failure released about 900,000 gallons of caustic white liquor, causing severe damage and injuries, including to a firefighter who was unaware of the chemical hazard during rescue efforts.
- The company has pledged cooperation with the ongoing federal investigation, while labor groups and family lawyers demand accountability and a full explanation of why safety recommendations were ignored.
- The Washington Department of Ecology has issued 35 environmental violations to Nippon Dynawave, and the Chemical Safety Board continues its probe, with a final report forthcoming.
