Washington regulators reopen review of Port Townsend Paper mill spill
Washington's Department of Ecology is reassessing a November 2025 wastewater and pulp spill from Port Townsend Paper Co after a former millwright submitted photos and video suggesting the discharge was far larger than the 150 gallons the mill reported. Experts who reviewed the material estimated the actual spill could have ranged from roughly 3,000 to 52,500 gallons, though duration and composition remain unconfirmed. The review follows a USD 734,000 fine imposed on the mill in September 2026 for a separate series of spills.
Why this mattersRepeated spills and a reopened state review raise compliance and reputational risk for a containerboard and pulp producer already fined this year.
- Spill occurred 20 November 2025 when wastewater and pulp escaped through a pipe hole into Port Townsend Bay
- Mill reported about 150 gallons spilled over roughly 25 minutes
- Five experts reviewing new photos and video estimated the discharge could have been 3,000 to 52,500 gallons
- Washington Department of Ecology reopened its review after a former millwright submitted evidence and shared it with an assistant attorney general
- Ecology fined the mill USD 734,000 in September 2026 for earlier spills including chemical releases into wastewater lagoons
- Port Townsend Paper employs about 300 people and produces roughly 1,000 tons per day of paper, containerboard and pulp
Sources
focalnews.org