Chemical Plant Fire and Potential Impact on Supply of Permanganate Products

Last Updated: 6/26/2024

Archived Content: This content is not maintained and may no longer apply. For current information on supply chain disruptions, visit EPA's Current Supply Chain Disruptions. 

Current Status

In response to a Carus facility fire on January 11 that compromised all domestic production capacity for potassium permanganate and sodium permanganate, there has been a significant increase in permanganate imports from overseas suppliers to address the domestic demand. As a result, the supply of permanganate products to water and wastewater systems for use in treatment appears to have stabilized.

Immediately after the Carus fire occurred, U.S. EPA elevated concerns within the federal government about the potential impact to water and wastewater systems and has been working with other agencies (including the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) to monitor the permanganate market and determine if action would be required to mitigate impacts to systems. EPA has also been in regular contact with domestic permanganate suppliers and Water and Wastewater Systems Sector stakeholders to search for conditions that could result in acute shortages for systems. However, aside from a limited number of initial reports of shortages, EPA has not received reports of further issues. EPA is not aware of any public statements from Carus regarding the timeframe for resuming domestic potassium permanganate production.

EPA will continue to monitor this situation until domestic production is fully restored to ensure that no unexpected issues arise. To report shortages of permanganate products needed for water or wastewater treatment, please contact SupplyChainSupport@epa.gov.