EPA: More than 2,000 dead fish collected from ditches since Nippon spill

The count of dead fish collected from Longview ditches since the deadly chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave paper mill last week has grown to roughly 2,000 across seven different species - and federal and state environmental officials say that they expect that number to keep climbing in the days ahead.

Officials, meanwhile, says the pH levels in the ditch network flowing to the Columbia River is within "normal" range, but they ask people and pets to keep away from ditches and sloughs until further notice.

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Separately, the city's drinking water remains safe, according to a Sunday evening news release issued by the Joint Information Center that includes resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

It states the pH levels measured in the ditch network are in "normal range" and "continue(s) to be of no threat to public health."

A roughly 900,000-gallon tank filled with a papermaking material with a high pH level known as white liquor failed at 7:18 a.m. May 26; the cause is currently under investigation. Environmental officials, however, say the bulk of the chemicals were contained to the facility site.

"Most of the white liquor did not leave the facility site, and on-site treatment efforts were successful," states the release from the Joint Information Center.

Crews at the site of the chemical spill are using trucks with vacuum pumps to remove the chemical and will be at the site "for the foreseeable future."

During the cleanup, environmental officials have deployed multiple air and water quality monitors. All stationary and mobile air monitors thus far have shown "zero detections of harmful gases at any level," according to the release.

Water testing after Nippon

A responder conducts pH monitoring near the site of the Nippon Dynawave chemical spill in this photo taken May 30. Officials say the water's levels are in normal range, but ask residents to avoid contact with the water.

Until the operation is complete, officials recommend that anyone who comes into contact with water in the ditches, sloughs and dike area to rinse thoroughly with clean water. Anyone who has unusual symptoms or health concerns should seek medical attention, and any pets exposed to the water should also be thoroughly rinsed.

The city has posted more than 200 warning signs at ditches, dikes and drainage systems near the incident area in English, Spanish and Chuukese.

Where most dead fish are

As of Sunday night, environmental officials have collected roughly 2,000 fish from ditch systems near the Nippon Dynawave incident off Industrial Way, according to an email from Jasmin Adams, a spokesperson at the Joint Information Center.

Most of those dead fish were recovered from Coal Creek Slough, just outside the main pump station at the western end of the ditch system.

A breakdown of fish counted by species was not available as of Monday morning, but the species collected include common carp, catfish, sunfish, bass, peamouth chub, bridgelip sucker and redside shiner. One dead hatchery-raised coho salmon was also collected, according to Adams.

Water testing after Nippon Dynawave incident

A responder takes a water quality sample testing for water in the diking system's alkalinity in this photo taken May 30. State and federal environmental officials say that the water near the Nippon Dynawave white liquor chemical spill is testing at normal pH levels, but they have put up more than 200 signs in three languages warning people to avoid contact with the water in sloughs, dikes and ditches.

Anyone who finds dead or distressed wildlife in the area of the spill is asked to call 1-800-22-BIRDS or 1-800-222-4737.

Fish in Columbia River

Tests conducted Sunday night showed that the Columbia River's pH level is currently in "normal range," and investigators have not observed any impacts to fish or wildlife in the river. The river remains open for fishing and recreation.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 6:25 PM.