LONGVIEW, Wash. – Five months after a catastrophic chemical implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging paper mill, the majority of Association of Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) members reported back to the plant on Monday. The incident on May 26 released hundreds of thousands of gallons of “white liquor,” a chemical used in pulp production, killing 11 workers and injuring several others, including a firefighter.
Community Support and Resilience
Longview residents rallied quickly after the disaster. Local business owner Robert Jennings, who runs the nearby Omelets & More restaurant, helped organize fund‑raising efforts for victims’ families. “We’re a big, tight‑knit family, really,” Jennings said, emphasizing the town’s strong communal bonds.
Union Perspective
Bill Sauters, the AWPPW Washington Area Representative, said the return of workers signals a positive step forward. “People are looking forward to getting back to some kind of normal schedule,” he noted, adding that safety remains the top priority. “We’re going to work together and make sure everybody is taken care of and safe. This is a step toward healing for the employees and the community.”
Operational Status
While many employees have resumed duties, the mill is not yet operating at full capacity. Sauters explained that workers who have not yet returned will continue to receive pay through January 17, providing financial stability as the facility ramps up production.
Looking Ahead
Community members expressed optimism about the mill’s gradual reopening. “I’m glad that they’re going back to work… it’s nice because it’s going to start going back to normal a little bit,” Jennings said. The ongoing recovery effort underscores Longview’s commitment to restoring both jobs and normalcy after a tragedy that deeply affected the town.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
