A seventh victim has been recovered from the scene of a toxic chemical spill at Nippon Dynawave in Longview, Washington, where an industrial tank containing white liquor ruptured on May 26. The incident has resulted in nine confirmed deaths, with two individuals still missing. This event underscores critical safety risks in pulp and paper chemical handling, impacting supply-chain reliability for buyers of industrial chemicals and related products.
Incident Overview
An industrial tank containing thousands of gallons of white liquor, a corrosive chemical used in paper and pulp manufacturing, ruptured on the morning of Tuesday, May 26. Two people were confirmed dead by Wednesday, May 27, when first responders initiated recovery efforts for nine missing individuals. Six of those missing were recovered on Thursday, May 28, and a seventh victim was found on Friday, May 29, according to Longview Fire Department Chief Brad Hannig. Recovery efforts continue for the remaining two missing persons.
Environmental and Safety Response
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency representative Brooks Stanfield confirmed that 24-hour air quality monitoring has detected no harmful gases. However, chemicals from the spill contaminated the Columbia River and an industrial ditch connected to Longview's dike network. A flushing operation began on Thursday to remove chemicals from the ditch system, with pH levels showing marked improvement. The water being discharged into the Columbia River has not exceeded target pH levels.
Impact on Wildlife and Water Supply
Washington Department of Ecology representative Courtney Serad reported that 24 dead fish—including carp, catfish, and blue gill—were collected from the ditch system, killed during the initial spill. Additional dead fish are expected to be discharged into the Columbia River during flushing, but no dead fish have been found in the river itself. The water supply in Longview and Rainier remains safe to drink, and no fishing or recreation restrictions have been issued for the Columbia River.
What Buyers Should Watch
Chemical buyers should monitor the ongoing recovery and environmental cleanup at Nippon Dynawave, as the incident may disrupt supply of pulp and paper chemicals, including white liquor. The plant's operational status and potential regulatory scrutiny could affect regional chemical availability. Importers and distributors of industrial chemicals should assess alternative sourcing options and stay informed about safety protocols in similar facilities to mitigate supply-chain risks.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 29, 2026