Records reveal safety complaints, poor maintenance at site of deadly Washington pulp mill disaster
Summary
A chemical tank collapsed at a pulp mill in Longview, Washington, in May 2026, killing 11 workers. Inspections and records show the mill had many safety problems, poor maintenance, and previous violations for handling toxic chemicals. Investigations into the accident are still ongoing.Key Facts
- The tank failure released a dangerous caustic liquid that can cause severe burns.
- The plant had 54 environmental violation notices and fines totaling $41,500 since 2016.
- The Department of Labor and Industries found over a dozen safety issues and fined nearly $7,000.
- Over $2.4 million has been paid for workers’ compensation for 169 injuries since 2015, some related to chemical exposure.
- A federal safety board said the company knew the tank was unsafe months before the accident but kept using it.
- The plant has 530 employees and makes pulp for paper products.
- The company is cooperating with regulators but has declined to comment on maintenance and safety records.
- State inspectors planned to visit the plant weeks before the accident to review safety complaints.
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