Daily Update: EPA Cleanup Continues in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 9, 2025) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to lead the cleanup of the impacted area in Roseland, Louisiana, following a fire at the Smitty’s Supply facility on August 24.  

Response by the Numbers: 

Accomplishments to date include extinguishing the fire and stabilizing the facility to prevent leaks; installing earthen dams, booms and rainwater collection around the site to contain runoff; deployed boom and sorbent material in ponds and the Tangipahoa River to capture contaminated runoff; and increased the recovery rate of oily material.  

EPA is also continuing to conduct additional sampling of the river, ponds, and ditches in the area to increase the amount of information and data we have about the range of pollutants that are present in the water and sediment.   

EPA appreciates the continued coordination and response efforts of our state and local partners and the cooperation of residents as our recovery efforts continue.  

Cleanup Operations 

EPA’s cleanup operations in the Tangipahoa River are focused on flushing oily waste in the river downstream to established collection points where it is removed and placed in containers for disposal. At the ponds, crews are working 24 hours a day to contain and recover oily wastes.  

EPA has increased the efficiency of oil recovery with new equipment, including drum skimmers, rope skimmers, and five marsh excavators.  

EPA crews at the Smitty’s Supply response have been working to manage recent significant rainfall, including installing stormwater control measures, fortifying ditches, and building underflow dams to prevent material from reaching the river. The plan included a controlled release of stormwater from the Smitty’s Supply facility to move across the road and into the ponds adjacent to the site. EPA operations crews confirmed runoff was contained to the ponds and did not reach the Tangipahoa River. 

EPA response crews are aware of a reported sheen around the mouth of the Tangipahoa River and into Lake Pontchartrain. The Coast Guard has recommended EPA responders halt work on the river due to dangerous conditions from recent rainfall. EPA and the Coast Guard will investigate the reported sheen as soon as conditions improve, allowing operations to resume.  

For the safety of residents and response crews, operations at the facility and ponds require Highway 51 near the Smitty’s facility to remain closed to allow the safe movement of trucks, rigs, frac tanks, and other large equipment. EPA appreciates the continued understanding and patience of residents in observing this important safety measure.   

Community Engagement  

EPA has met with 1,200 community members and answered their questions at regular office hours and events. Residents are invited to continue engaging with our response staff at the upcoming events listed below.   

Community Office Hours:  

Online Resources 

Visit EPA's response website for regular updates, including sampling results, cleanup progress, field photos, and an interactive story map: https://www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire. 

Social Media Highlights 

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X, Instagram. 

Facebook:  

U.S. EPA South Central Region: The incredible efforts in response to the Smitty's Supply fire has seen hundreds of dedicated EPA workers and contractors partnering with state and local leaders around the Roseland community.  

EPA is continuing to host community office hours today and through the weekend. To find times and to stay up to date on information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire 
CLICK HERE TO READ AND SHARE. 

U.S. EPA South Central Region: EPA continues on-the-ground outreach in Tangipahoa Parish, with updated times and locations for community office hours supporting residents affected by the Smitty’s Supply fire. 

For more updates please follow: https://www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire