The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said a team of investigators would arrive at the paper mill Wednesday. The implosion involved white liquor, a highly corrosive chemical used in paper and pulp processing to dissolve wood chips into pulp. Officials said a 900,000-gallon tank storing the substance ruptured with 90,000 gallons of the chemical still inside. Previously, officials said the tank held only 80,000 gallons.
“The CSB is opening an investigation into this tragic incident to determine how it happened and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again,” CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said.
Fire officials and investigators are still working to determine why the tank imploded. Officials said the tank remains unstable, creating hazardous conditions for first responders and hindering recovery efforts. Crews from local, state and federal agencies planned to work Wednesday to stabilize the tank and continue search efforts.
Residents are urged to stay away from ditches and dikes near Washington Way and Prudential Boulevard because of possible water contamination from the white liquor, officials said.
KING 5’s Shawn Garrett and Olivia Sullivan contributed to this report.
