A close call earlier this month in Longview is adding to safety concerns surrounding local contractor Rotschy Inc., though both the Port of Longview and company officials say neither the contractor nor the machine operator were at fault.

Independent journalist Andre Stepankowsky of Lower Columbia Currents reports that on September 8th, a Rotschy excavator operator narrowly escaped injury when his 20-ton machine sank into Longview’s old Long-Bell log pond. The ground gave way beneath the excavator, sending it 10 to 12 feet underwater. The operator made it out safely.

The excavator was placing rock for the Port of Longview’s $44.7 million rail expansion project. Port officials say unstable soils are the likely cause, but an underwater survey is planned. Both the Port and Rotschy say there’s no evidence of operator error.

The incident comes as Rotschy faces scrutiny for past safety violations, including a 2023 case where a 16-year-old worker lost both legs and another serious injury this year in Woodland.

Work at the site is currently paused, but port officials say the overall rail project remains on schedule.