In Longview, Washington, the collapse of a 900,000-gallon tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant caused a release of the industrial chemical "white lye" into the storm drain system. Officials say the contaminated water is now being intentionally routed through the city's drainage system, where it is being diluted with water from the Cowlitz River and opened fire hydrants to reduce the concentration to safe levels before discharge into the Columbia River. It is important to note that the city's tap water remains safe to drink, as flows are being directed away from residential areas.
At the Reynolds Way pump station, pH levels are being continuously monitored to control the situation. If dilution proves insufficient, pumping will be halted immediately and specialists will take additional measures to neutralize the alkali. This process is a standard procedure to prevent hazardous concentrations of chemicals from reaching the region's main river and to minimize environmental damage.
Based on: Water contaminated by Longview implosion flushed through ditch system