Weyerhaeuser's Longview, Washington, newsprint mill releases cloud of nonhazardous calcium carbonate due to improperly working water mist eliminator, says spokesman; chemical not harmful to people, but can damage vehicles

Sandy Yang

LONGVIEW, Washington , February 1, 2012 (Associated Press) – A Weyerhaeuser Co. spokesman says a powdery cloud of nonhazardous calcium carbonate was released from a Longview, Wash., newsprint mill and dusted nearby homes.

Spokesman Anthony Chavez tells The Daily News (http://is.gd/OJiyZ7) that the chalky-looking substance spread across the Norpac mill site Tuesday morning because a water mist eliminator wasn't working properly.

Chavez says the company notified the Washington Department of Ecology and the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency. He said the chemical is not harmful to people but can damage vehicles.

Chavez says any residents who notice such damage should contact Weyerhaeuser.

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