A tragic incident unfolded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Washington state when a chemical tank ruptured, resulting in contamination entering the Columbia River. The rupture, which occurred on Tuesday, has claimed the lives of at least two individuals, with nine more still unaccounted for, according to fire department officials.

Deadliest Industrial Tragedy

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the event as potentially the deadliest industrial tragedy in the state’s modern history. The Longview Fire Department’s Battalion Chief, Matt Amos, highlighted the hazardous conditions that continue to impede recovery efforts. As of Wednesday, the operation has shifted from rescue to recovery, as confirmed by Cowlitz 2 Fire Chief Scott Goldstein.

The chemical tank contained ‘white liquor,’ a solution used in paper pulp production, comprising sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Approximately 550,000-570,000 gallons of the chemical leaked, with some still seeping from the tank.

Environmental Impact

Testing has confirmed that the contamination reached the Columbia River, prompting ongoing evaluations to determine the full environmental impact. Despite the contamination, officials have not identified any negative health impacts on the surrounding air quality or Longview’s drinking water system. However, residents are advised to avoid certain areas, and a dozen carp have been reported dead.

Nippon Dynawave Packaging, a subsidiary of Japan’s Nippon Paper Industries, acquired the Longview plant in 2016. The company is now grappling with the aftermath of this significant industrial accident.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.