A chemical tank collapse at a pulp mill in Longview, Washington, in May resulted in the deaths of 11 workers and injuries to many others. The incident occurred as the workday began, releasing large quantities of a highly caustic liquid capable of causing severe burns. Investigations have revealed that the mill, operated by Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., had a long history of safety issues, environmental violations, and equipment failures. State inspectors had planned to visit the plant the week of the accident to address two unrelated safety complaints, but their plans were interrupted by the tank's sudden collapse. According to records reviewed by The Associated Press, the company has faced numerous regulatory issues over the years. The Washington State Department of Ecology issued 54 environmental violation notices since 2016 and fined the company $41,500 for eight serious violations. The state’s Department of Labor and Industries investigated more than a dozen safety complaints since 2018, resulting in nearly $7,000 in fines. The investigation into the tank collapse is ongoing, with two new investigations recently opened. Workers have also filed over $2.4 million in compensation claims since 2015 for injuries related to chemical exposure and other workplace hazards. The mill, which employs 530 people, produces pulp used in paper goods. A chemical engineering expert, Stephen Kmiotek from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, described the company’s repeated equipment failures and safety violations as a “red flag.” He warned that the lack of proper maintenance at the site poses significant risks to both employees and the public. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Board reported that the company was aware the tank was “not fit for continued service” months before it failed. After the accident, the Department of Ecology issued 35 citations against the company. Nippon Dynawave’s spokesperson, Sam Jefferies, declined to comment on the records showing poor maintenance and aging equipment at the plant. Instead, he emphasized the need for a full investigation to determine the cause of the tank failure. Meanwhile, the family of two brothers killed in the incident has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, alleging the company failed to maintain equipment, train workers, and implement safety procedures. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the company's safety practices and regulatory compliance.