The asphalt surface around the old dock is removed with a pavement grinder.
At our Longview, Washington, export yard, we’re making room for the future — literally. This summer, our team began dismantling one of two aging berths on our Columbia River dock to make way for a brand-new structure designed to support our log export business for the next century.
"The original structure was built in the early 1970s with treated wood," says Brian Hamilton, export yard team lead. "It’s lasted longer than anyone expected, but the time has come for a safer, more modern solution."
That solution is a steel and concrete berth with a 100-year life expectancy, seismic resilience, better water flow and zero combustibility. The structure also brings us into compliance with a Washington Department of Natural Resources lease condition that requires treated wood to be removed from above and within the water.
The rebuild represents more than just routine maintenance. It’s a bold investment in our Timberlands business.
The concrete bulkhead wall is broken out so that a new section can be installed.
A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
"This facility is one of the largest of its kind in North America," says Brian Trenholm, Western Timberlands’ director of marketing. "It’s a significant contributor to our Western Timberlands cash flow and plays a large role in our Western Timberlands Marketing team’s long-term strategy.”
Having only one berth for an extended period required the Longview export team to plan ahead — after all, customers still expect shipments on time and in full. The Longview team is using our Olympia export yard as a backup and leaning on strong internal collaboration to avoid disruptions.
"You don’t always think about the behind-the-scenes people," Brian H. says. "But without them, this doesn’t happen. We’ve got a great team here, and everyone has stepped up — from our frontline leaders to admin support, from procurement to human resources and marketing. Our political affairs team even jumped in to help navigate permitting hurdles."
With the treated wood deck panels removed, crews could see over 1,000 pilings that have held up the old structure for more than 50 years.
TWO YEARS OF PERMITS, A CENTURY OF POTENTIAL
In fact, the team spent more than two years working through a complex web of permits.
"The Columbia River is an internationally recognized fishery and one of the busiest shipping routes in the U.S.," Brian H. says. "Before any work could begin, we needed approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Department of Natural Resources, tribal entities and state and federal wildlife agencies, just to name a few."
The permitting process included biological opinions, endangered species assessments and coordination with local and federal lawmakers.
"We had to prove we wouldn’t harm fish runs or disrupt river flow," Brian H. says. "It took time, but it was worth it. We’re protecting the environment while bringing our infrastructure in line with our vision for the next generation. It’s safe, modern, and built to last.”
A steel pile is delivered to the export yard from Skyline Steel. Each one is 135 feet long and weighs more than 21,000 pounds.
LOCAL MATERIALS, LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
In true Weyerhaeuser fashion, the rebuild reflects our roots in Longview and our commitment to the community.
"Skyline Steel, right here in Longview, was selected to fabricate the piles from U.S.-sourced steel coils," Brian H. says. "It’s a logistical challenge to move 135-foot pipes through town, but it supports local jobs and reinforces our long history here."
Weyerhaeuser first arrived in Longview in 1925 and built what would become the world’s largest lumber mill. In 1931, we opened our first pulp mill next to the lumber mill. The pulp mill’s profits helped Weyerhaeuser survive the Great Depression and sparked industry-wide innovation in sustainable forestry.
"We’ve been investing in this location for 100 years, and this rebuild is a continuation of that story," Brian H. says. "We’re here to stay."
