OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Environmental violations have been issued after a fatal chemical tank explosion at a Longview paper mill in May.

The Washington Department of Ecology issued an administrative notice to Nippon Dynawave Packaging Wednesday, Aug. 26.

It detailed environmental violations that stemmed from a storage tank explosion that occurred in May.

The tank’s collapse led to 11 deaths and resulted in 900,000 gallons of highly caustic white liquor being released across the facility. The liquor spread into storm drains and entered the company’s wastewater treatment system, with some of it bypassing treatment before being released into the Columbia River.

Nearby areas of water were found to have increased pH levels.

Ecology reports 35 violations in the notice following inspections done in July. They claim that the mill violated provisions of two Washington codes, its Air Operating Permit and the standards of performance for its generators.

Improper treatment of on-site waste, failure to clean up areas affected by spills and dangerous waste gas cylinders being kept in close proximity were among the reasons for the violations.

In addition to environmental impact violations, Ecology also noted operational violations such as insufficient labeling of hazardous waste, lack of a generator training plan and program and failure to conduct general inspections.

Nippon Dynawave will have 30 days to respond before penalties, or other enforcement actions may be issued.