35 violations found at Longview plant following tank rupture that killed 11 workers
Aug 26, 2026, 5:48 PM
The scene after a tank ruptured in Longview. (Photo courtesy of the Longview Fire Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Longview Fire Department)
Three months after a tank rupture killed 11 workers at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview, the Washington State Department of Ecology has found 35 environmental violations at the facility.
Many of the violations were due to the impact of the tank collapse, which released 900,000 gallons of highly caustic white liquor that flooded the industrial site, according to a news release from Ecology on Wednesday.
“The liquid reached storm drains and the company’s sanitary wastewater treatment system, with some bypassing treatment before discharging to the Columbia River,” officials stated. “Larger volumes reached a nearby ditch before workers were able to close an outfall, leading to widespread fish die-offs and the city posting signs warning local residents to stay away. Impacts continued for up to eight days.”
Other violations stemmed from a lack of proper training required by dangerous waste regulations.
Longview plant faces up to $10,000 per violation per day
In addition to enforcing the violations, Ecology is seeking to recover the state’s costs incurred during the emergency response.
“This event was devastating for the Longview community, and the release of chemicals reached nearby waterways and the Columbia River,” Casey Sixkiller, Ecology’s director, stated. “Issuing these environmental violations is an initial step toward accounting for the impacts of this tragedy.”
Nippon Dynawave has 30 days to respond or provide additional information to Ecology before a penalty is issued. Ecology can issue fines of up to $10,000 per violation per day.
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AG’s office investigating potential criminal activity in Longview tank failure
Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and the federal Chemical Safety Board are also investigating the tank failure. The Washington Attorney General’s Office was granted the ability to investigate any potential criminal activity that could have contributed to the tank failing.
If those investigations reveal any additional violations, Ecology could pursue additional enforcement.
The tank rupture not only killed 11 employees, but injured eight others, including one firefighter.
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