Longview pulp mill disaster prompts safety questions and ongoing investigations

A ruptured 900,000-gallon tank of caustic white liquor at Nippon Dynawave’s Longview mill spilled hundreds of thousands of gallons, prompting a federal investigation and a public push for accountability as families search for answers and recovery efforts continue. Experts say the tragedy likely stemmed from a complex mix of factors—tank design, vents, and timing—with a possible blocked relief valve causing an implosion. The plant’s safety history, inspections, and prior fines are under scrutiny, while officials stress that determining the exact cause will take time amid ongoing recovery and containment of contamination.