Longview drainage ditches to avoid after Nippon chemical spill
The Washington State Department of Ecology warned Thursday that people should avoid drainage ditches and dikes around Longview following a chemical spill at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. on Tuesday.
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The ditches to avoid run west from the Cowlitz River near Fishers Lane, along Ocean Beach Highway, south along the east side of Lake Sacajawea, along Oregon Way and west along Industrial Way to an outlet in the Columbia River.
City of Longview spokesperson Angela Abel said Lake Sacajawea is completely isolated and not affected by the chemical runoff.
Ditch map
A map from the Washington State Department of Ecology shows drainage ditches residents should avoid after a chemical spill May 26.
Longview's Public Works Director Chris Collins said during Thursday's press conference that "a large number" of these drainage ditches run through people's backyards.
If people or their pets go into the contaminated waterways, he advised to "wash off as quick as possible," then "seek medical attention."
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"Keep away from the water, don't let your pet swim in it until we give the go-ahead, which we hope to do soon," Collins said.
Drainage map
People do not need to avoid the general area, but they should stay out of the ditches, Department of Ecology representative Scarlet Tang wrote in an email.
Sign
A sign warning the public from going near a ditch along Industrial Way on Thursday, May 28 in Longview, days after a chemical spill at Nippon pulp and paper mill down the street.
How to stay updated
The Washington State Department of Ecology has set up a webpage outlining updates to the chemical spill at Nippon in Longview.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with more information from the latest press conference. Nick Morgan contributed.
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