Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into Thatcher Company, the Salt Lake City-based chemical manufacturer, after a string of reported releases and a July 2023 plant explosion that injured workers and damaged property. A notice from federal officials cites incidents at the company's Salt Lake facility as well as alleged problems at plants around the country, raising fresh questions for local officials and customers who rely on Thatcher's chemicals.
DOJ Opens Criminal Inquiry
On July 14, the U.S. Department of Justice's Energy and Natural Resources Division posted a case notice stating that the United States is conducting a criminal investigation into environmental compliance and worker-safety conditions at Thatcher and related corporations, and that a court ordered crime-victim notification on July 10, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The notice lists a series of incidents at the Salt Lake City facility, including a June 19, 2019, sulfur dioxide release attributed to an unsecured railcar, alleged unlawful hazardous-waste storage in early 2021, and a hydrogen chloride release on April 14, 2023, that may have affected city employees.
The notice also points to a July 25, 2023, explosion and hydrogen release that it says caused employee injuries and property damage, along with alleged problems at Thatcher facilities in New York, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. Federal officials have not detailed potential charges and have described the matter as an ongoing criminal investigation.
Local Coverage And Company Statements
Local station ABC4 reported on the DOJ notice and said earlier coverage tied the July 2023 blast to injuries to two people. ABC4 reported that it reached out to Thatcher for comment and was awaiting a response.
As outlined on its website, Thatcher Company emphasizes its safety investments and programs, saying it has invested roughly $34 million in safety and compliance since 2023 and describing measures intended to reduce risk. The company lists its Salt Lake City head office at 1905 Fortune Road and provides a media contact address for press inquiries.
What Prosecutors Are Asking
The DOJ notice spells out victims' rights under the Crime Victim Rights Act and invites anyone who believes they suffered harm to call a hotline or email the Environmental Crimes Section, per the Department of Justice. The notice also reminds readers that federal criminal matters can be resolved through plea agreements and explains how victims can submit written materials or impact statements to prosecutors.
Why Local Stakeholders Care
Many municipal utilities and industrial customers rely on Thatcher for water-treatment and other bulk chemicals, a dependence the company highlights on its website and one that could make any enforcement actions consequential for local services. Regulators, customers, and city agencies are likely to seek records and assurances as the DOJ inquiry proceeds, while Thatcher continues to assert its commitment to safety.
The investigation remains at the evidence-gathering stage, and no charges have been filed; Thatcher retains the presumption of innocence under federal law. We will update this story as prosecutors, regulators, or the company release further details.
