Nippon Dynawave Packaging faces environmental violations

The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a notice of violation to Nippon Dynawave Packaging following a major storage tank failure at its Longview pulp and paper mill that released approximately 900,000 gallons of highly caustic white liquor.

The incident occurred on 26 May 2026 and resulted in the deaths of 11 employees. In the weeks following the disaster, regulators carried out inspections, reviewed company records and interviewed staff to determine whether the release breached environmental permits and state or federal regulations.

Regulator identifies 35 separate violations

The Department of Ecology has documented 35 initial violations linked to the incident. Many relate to the movement of white liquor through the industrial site after the tank collapsed and the subsequent release of contaminated material into drainage and wastewater systems.

The company now has 30 days to respond to the notice or provide additional information before the regulator decides whether to impose penalties or other enforcement measures.

Contamination reached nearby waterways

According to the regulator, the caustic liquid entered storm drains and the site's sanitary wastewater treatment system. Some material bypassed treatment before being discharged towards the Columbia River, while larger volumes reached a nearby drainage ditch.

Workers eventually closed an outfall, but the spill had already caused widespread fish deaths. Local authorities also posted warnings advising residents to stay away from affected areas. Environmental impacts continued for up to eight days after the original tank failure.

Potential fines could be substantial

Washington law allows the Department of Ecology to impose fines of up to $10,000 per violation per day. Around one quarter of the cited violations continued across multiple days, meaning potential financial exposure could increase depending on the final enforcement decision.

The regulator can also issue compliance orders requiring corrective action. Not every violation will necessarily result in a penalty, as some actions taken during the emergency response may qualify for exemptions.

Waste management and training also under scrutiny

Not all of the cited issues relate directly to the physical spread of the spill. The notice also identifies deficiencies in plans and employee training required under dangerous-waste regulations.

These findings highlight the broader importance of emergency preparedness, spill prevention and staff training within pulp, paper and packaging operations where large volumes of hazardous process chemicals are handled.

Multiple investigations remain underway

The Department of Ecology regulates the mill's air and water quality permits, spill prevention procedures and dangerous-waste obligations, but it does not oversee the structural integrity of the tank that failed.

Separate investigations are being conducted by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and the US Chemical Safety Board. The Washington Attorney General's Office has also been granted authority to investigate potential criminal activity connected with the tank failure.

Incident highlights environmental risk in packaging production

The case demonstrates how environmental performance and industrial safety remain critical issues across fibre-based packaging supply chains. Pulp and paper mills rely on complex chemical processes, making containment, monitoring and emergency response essential to reducing risks to workers and surrounding ecosystems.

Beyond any direct penalties, Nippon Dynawave Packaging may also be required to reimburse the state for emergency response costs and could face a Natural Resource Damage Assessment linked to the environmental impact of the spill.