WA mill tank ruled unfit for service before deadly collapse, investigators say
Investigators say a Washington state tank at Nippon Dynawave’s mill was not fit for continued service, with a 2025 inspection recommending its entire shell be replaced. After a digestor was taken offline, white liquor continued to enter the tank, which then failed and released about 900,000 gallons, flooding nearby areas and killing 11 workers while injuring several others. The board noted the tank was not promptly removed from service or repaired after prior findings, and cited ongoing environmental violations at the plant as part of an expanding investigation.