WRITTEN BY J.HICKS    3/9/2025

LaSalle, IL – A recently obtained Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) response from the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) confirms that a federal investigation is still ongoing into the January 11, 2023, incident at Carus Chemical—contrary to what city officials and company representatives have led the public to believe.

The CSB’s response, issued to investigative journalist and LaSalle mayoral candidate Jamie Hicks, states that all records related to the Carus investigation are being withheld under FOIA Exemption (b)(7)(A), which protects information that could interfere with law enforcement proceedings.

“This is proof that Carus Chemical and city officials have been lying to the public,” said Hicks. “For over a year, they’ve pushed the narrative that everything is fine and under control—meanwhile, a federal investigation is still underway. What else are they hiding?”

Despite the facility’s history of handling hazardous chemicals, the CSB revealed that no previous investigations were conducted at Carus Chemical before this incident. Hicks’ FOIA request sought records on sodium and potassium permanganate violations, communications between Carus and federal agencies, and internal investigation documents. All were denied due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The CSB’s refusal to release records suggests that exposing the details could:

• Reveal critical evidence and legal strategies;

• Expose weaknesses in the case against Carus Chemical;

• Allow those involved to interfere with the investigation;

• Lead to witness intimidation or retaliation.

“This isn’t just about an accident—it’s about a cover-up,” Hicks added. “Carus Chemical and city officials have been working together to control the narrative while keeping the truth from residents.”

The FOIA request also sought information on environmental violations not recorded on the Environmental Compliance History Online (ECHO) system. The CSB stated that such records do not exist within its agency, further raising concerns that violations may have been omitted or downplayed at a federal level.

Hicks is calling for full transparency from Carus Chemical and city officials, urging residents to demand answers about what truly happened on January 11, 2023, and what dangers may still exist.

“The people of LaSalle deserve to know the truth,” Hicks said. “No more lies. No more cover-ups. It’s time for accountability.”