Tacoma’s WestRock mill closure, the regional impact and what’s next
This list of stories illustrates the complexities of closing Tacoma’s WestRock paper mill, such as cleanup efforts for contamination, water system adjustments due to the mill’s shutdown, and the economic ripple effects on 400 displaced workers. Articles highlight WestRock’s struggles with air and water pollution compliance, a $52,000 fine issued in 2022, and efforts to decommission hazardous equipment.
Discussions also focus on site redevelopment possibilities, though the property’s cleanup could take years. Tacoma’s largest water consumer, the mill’s closure also brings operational and financial complications to the city’s utilities system.
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
NO. 1: WHAT’S TO BECOME OF CLOSED TACOMA PAPER MILL? FIRST, A LONG, COMPLEX CLEANUP
A recent permit filed with the city includes demolition work to remove portions that contain asbestos. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 2: READERS REPORT STEAM COMING FROM CLOSED TACOMA PAPER MILL. HERE’S WHAT IS GOING ON
WestRock ceased operations in September. We asked a company representative about continued emissions. | Published November 24, 2023 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 3: TACOMA TIDEFLATS PAPER MILL TO END OPERATIONS THIS FALL, AFFECTING HUNDREDS OF WORKERS
Company blames planned closure on “high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment.” | Published August 2, 2023 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 4: WESTROCK MILL CLOSURE: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR THE WORKFORCE AND SITE POTENTIAL?
“I think there is potential for a high quality industrial manufacturing campus.” | Published August 26, 2023 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 5: TACOMA PAPER MILL AGREES TO MONETARY PENALTY, NEW RULES AFTER AIR POLLUTION VIOLATION
After failing a pollution test last year, the company has settled with the Washington Department of Ecology. | Published July 13, 2023 | Read Full Story by Olivia Palmer
NO. 6: STATE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORS FINE TACOMA PAPER MILL FOR FAILING POLLUTION TEST
The company can appeal the the $52,000 fine from the Department of Ecology. | Published December 15, 2022 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor
NO. 7: WESTROCK PAPER MILL WAS TACOMA WATER’S BIGGEST CUSTOMER. ITS CLOSURE WILL COST YOU $$$
With departure of Tacoma Water’s biggest customer, “you can’t change that system very easily, or very quickly, or very inexpensively.” | Published August 26, 2023 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell…