Nippon Dynawave Packaging continued to operate a failing storage tank for months after inspectors warned of a high likelihood of failure.
Federal investigators have revealed that Nippon Dynawave Packaging continued to operate a 1.2 million-gallon storage tank for months after an inspection identified it as being too thin to safely remain in service. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board released findings on Thursday regarding the May 26 tank collapse that killed 11 workers. An inspection conducted in July 2025 found significant thinning in the lower portions of the tank, with some areas having less than half the required minimum thickness. The contractor recommended that Nippon Dynawave conduct internal repairs and take the tank out of service, warning of a high likelihood of failure. However, the company failed to act on these recommendations. The collapse occurred at 7:09 a.m. on the morning of the disaster, releasing 900,000 gallons of white liquor. The report highlights that the company failed to communicate clearly during the emergency, as a medical responder entered the liquid believing it was water, resulting in chemical burns. Attorney Kyle Findley and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray have called for accountability as the investigation continues.