A union representing workers at a Longview paper mill says new information about a chemical tank that failed in May, killing 11 workers, raises serious question
A union representing workers at a Longview paper mill says new information about a chemical tank that failed in May, killing 11 workers, raises serious questions about why the tank remained in operation.
A new investigation update from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) said an inspection contractor determined the tank at Nippon Dynawave Packaging was “not fit for continued service” about 10 months before the deadly May 26 failure.
The tank failure released enough caustic liquid to blow out walls of the building, according to the federal agency. The CSB said its investigation is ongoing and it has not yet determined the cause of the failure.
The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, or AWPPW, called the findings “deeply troubling.”
PHOTOS | Scene after tank rupture
The federal investigation found Nippon Dynawave received an inspection report months before the incident that warned of a high likelihood and consequence of failure unless the tank was repaired.
The union said the CSB reported the tank remained in normal operation without the recommended internal inspection, repairs, reduced service, or removal from operation.
Eleven workers were killed, and three others were seriously injured when the tank ruptured.
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AWPPW spokesperson Josh Estes said the update raises questions about how the inspection findings were communicated and evaluated and how they factored into the decision to keep the tank operating.
At the same time, the union cautioned against drawing conclusions about who was responsible while the investigations remain underway. The CSB has not yet determined the specific cause or mechanism of the rupture or the full sequence of factors that contributed to it.
The CSB conducts safety investigations and makes recommendations but does not issue citations or fines.
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries is separately investigating workplace-safety compliance. According to AWPPW, that investigation will determine which state safety requirements applied and whether any violations occurred.
The union said it plans to work with elected officials, regulators and industry partners to determine whether additional safeguards or policy changes are needed as investigators learn more about what led to the deadly failure.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released a statement about the latest findings.
Three months ago, Longview endured an unthinkable tragedy and suffered enormous loss. This community deserves answers and the release of today’s investigation update is an important first step towards understanding exactly what happened so we can ensure that there is accountability and that a tragedy like this can never happen again. The Chemical Safety Board’s update revealed that Nippon Dynawave knew that the walls of the chemical tank that failed were dangerously thin. The investigation is ongoing, and I am appreciative of the important work that the CSB is doing to get the clarity we need. We know this will take time—but one thing is apparent: this community deserves answers and accountability. Every worker has the right to come home safely at the end of the day. I will continue to follow this investigation closely, and I will be there every step of the way to support this community.
