Environmental cleanup after a major caustic chemical leak at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington, has reached a key milestone. Recall that on May 26 a devastating explosion at the facility killed 11 people. The accident released about 600,000 gallons of "white liquor" — a highly corrosive solution used in pulp production — into the local drainage system. Responders "flushed" the network by opening hydrants and running fresh water through ditches and drains to dilute the chemicals, after which the diluted water was pumped to the Columbia River.
According to the State Department of Ecology, by the end of the week the pH in the drainage system had returned to normal and the flushing operation was complete. Air quality monitoring in Longview has also ended, except for the area immediately around the plant — no hazardous gases were detected. Remaining chemicals on the plant site continue to be removed by vacuum trucks and disposed of at the facility’s treatment works. Most of the spilled material is believed to have remained on plant property.
Environmental officials reported the collection of about 2,900 dead fish from the drainage system, including carp, catfish, bass and other local species. Although fish continue to surface as they decompose — a natural process — authorities remind residents that the preexisting ban on swimming, fishing and recreation in local canals and embankments remains in effect. Longview’s drinking water, officials say, remains completely safe.
Based on: ‘Flushing’ of chemicals spilled in Longview disaster is complete, WA says