By Barbara Nwaiwu
Eleven people are feared dead after authorities in Washington state moved a search operation for nine missing workers into a recovery effort following the rupture of a massive chemical tank at a paper manufacturing facility in Longview.
Officials had previously confirmed two deaths and reported that at least eight other people were injured, some critically, after the incident at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility.
According to authorities, the operation was transitioned from rescue to recovery on Wednesday due to the hazardous conditions surrounding the damaged tank and the inability of search teams to safely access all areas of the site.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said officials were preparing for what could become the deadliest industrial disaster in modern Washington state history.
“We’re bracing ourselves for this being the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history,” Ferguson said.
Authorities said the incident occurred when a 900,000 gallon vat containing “white liquor” imploded at the facility. The chemical solution, made up of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, is commonly used in paper pulp production and can cause severe burns on contact with skin.
Cowlitz 2 Fire Chief Scott Goldstein said emergency crews had searched all areas that could be safely reached before the decision was made to end rescue efforts.
“As of this morning, we declared this incident a transition from rescue to recovery,” Goldstein said.
Longview Fire Department Battalion Chief Matt Amos said recovery operations would proceed cautiously because responders were working in an “extremely hazardous” environment.
The incident has also raised environmental concerns after officials confirmed that contamination from the facility entered the Columbia River.
According to Goldstein, testing of water samples confirmed the presence of contaminants in the river, while further evaluations were underway to determine the extent of the environmental impact.
“Testing of water samples has confirmed contamination entered the Columbia River during the day yesterday. Additional evaluations are underway to better understand the scope and extent of that environmental impact,” Goldstein said.
Officials estimated that between 550,000 and 570,000 gallons of chemical solution escaped from the damaged tank, while some material remained inside and continued to leak slowly.
Authorities advised residents to stay away from affected areas and reported that about a dozen carp had died following the contamination.
Authorities said investigations into the cause of the tank implosion remain ongoing as recovery teams continue operations at the site and environmental officials assess the impact of the spill on the Columbia River.
