After a significant nitric acid spill occurred at Thatcher Company in Buckeye, officials took swift action to ensure the safety of the local community. The incident, which saw approximately 3,500 gallons of the hazardous chemical pour into a containment basin, was handled by hazmat teams and fire officials from multiple departments. "Approximately 3,500 gallons of nitric acid spilled into a 5,000-gallon retention basin designed for containment. Upon arrival, hazmat teams swiftly assessed the situation and confirmed that the scene was stable, with no adverse chemical reactions occurring," Fox10 Phoenix reported.
Amid concerns over air quality and public safety, the Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department was quick to issue RAVE alerts advising residents to steer clear from the area. Nitric acid is known for being "very toxic by inhalation" and highly corrosive, according to the National Institute of Health. As a precaution, officials have continued to monitor the air quality around the spill site, which will soon be turned over to the company for cleanup. This leak at the Thatcher Company facility is not an isolated incident; a previous spill in June 2024 resulted in a Notice of Violation from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) after another large spill led to community evacuations and shelter-in-place orders.
Following the repeat incidents, ADEQ has expressed its determination to hold Thatcher Company responsible for its actions and ensure compliance with environmental standards. "ADEQ remains dedicated to protecting public health and the environment and to working closely with the facility to understand the root cause of this issue, achieve compliance and prevent future incidents. ADEQ is committed to holding Thatcher accountable for any unlawful actions," an ADEQ spokesperson told 12 News. The ADEQ had previously closed out a Consent Order with the company in February after confirming that the necessary conditions were met.
