WA agencies lacked role inspecting failed chemical tank in Longview mill disaster

By: Aspen Ford

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: May 30, 2026

Words: 500

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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No state agency was responsible for inspecting the 900,000-gallon chemical storage tank that burst at a mill in southwest Washington this week, leaving 11 people presumed dead.

Unlike underground storage tanks that are inspected at least every three years by the Department of Ecology due to groundwater contamination risks, ensuring the safety of above-ground tanks is largely left to site operators.

“There’s no one agency or regulatory body that would be responsible for …

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