ADEQ Orders Urgent Fixes After Nitric Acid Spill in Buckeye

More than 10,000 pounds of nitric acid were spilled last month, resulting in clouds of gas getting released into the air.

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Environmental officials have mandated corrections after a 10,000-pound nitric acid spill in Buckeye last month.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued a “Notice of Violation” to the Thatcher Company following a hazardous materials incident reported on June 21.

The notice requires Thatcher to provide photographic evidence showing that they have taken “appropriate corrective actions” to reduce the risk of another hazardous incident.

ADEQ Waste Programs Division Director Julie Riemenschneider emphasized the commitment to accountability and the prevention of future incidents, noting that public safety is the primary concern.

Thatcher has a 30-day window to comply with the notice’s orders, or face potential civil action. The company is accused of multiple violations of state and federal environmental regulations.

As a result of the June 21 spill, officials issued shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents due to concerns about air quality. Thankfully, no injuries or illnesses were reported.