Commitments and Contingencies |
6 Months Ended |
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Jun. 30, 2021 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies: The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (“DATCP”) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) have information indicating that agricultural chemicals are present within the subsurface area of the Company’s property located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The agricultural chemicals were used by previous owners and operators of the site. None of the identified chemicals have been used in association with the Company’s operations since it acquired the property in 2002. DATCP and DNR have directed the Company to conduct further investigations into the environmental conditions at the Kenosha property. The Company continues on-property investigations and has provided the findings to DATCP and DNR as they have become available. All investigations and mitigation activities to date, and any potential future remediation work, are being conducted under the Wisconsin Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program, which provides for reimbursement of some of the costs. The Company conducts business operations in several countries and is subject to various federal and local labor, social security, environmental and tax laws. While the Company believes it complies with such laws, they are complex and subject to interpretation. In addition to the tax assessments discussed in Note 7, the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries are party to administrative tax proceedings and claims which totaled $8.5 million and $7.9 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and relate primarily to value added tax, state tax (ICMS) and social security tax (PIS and COFINS) assessments. The Company has assessed the likelihood of a loss at less than probable and therefore, has not established a reserve for these matters. The Company also assumed liabilities for labor-related matters in connection with the acquisition of Compass Minerals América do Sul Indústria e Comércio Ltda., which are primarily related to compensation, labor benefits and consequential tax claims that totaled $3.0 million and $3.5 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company believes the maximum exposure for these other labor matters totaled approximately $14 million and $16 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Amounts recorded are included in liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Division of Enforcement of the SEC is investigating the Company’s disclosures primarily concerning the operation of the Goderich mine. The Company has cooperated with this investigation and will continue to do so. While it is not possible to predict the timing or the outcome of the SEC inquiry, the Company believes that this matter will not have a material impact on its results of operation, cash flows or financial position. The Company is also involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types from the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Management cannot predict the outcome of legal claims and proceedings with certainty. Nevertheless, management believes the outcome of legal proceedings and claims, which are pending or known to be threatened, even if determined adversely, will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
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