Daily Update: EPA Cleanup Continues in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 11, 2025) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, 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:
-10,415,853 gallons of liquid wastes recovered
-6,511,575 gallons of liquid wastes removed for disposal
-22,400 feet of containment boom laid
-4890 bales of sorbent material
-Over 450 EPA and contractor personnel deployed
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; deploying boom and sorbent material in ponds and the Tangipahoa River to capture contaminated runoff; and increasing the recovery rate of oily material.
EPA is 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 and its partner agencies continue to engage with Smitty’s Supply to ensure the cleanup activities conducted at the facility remain efficient and complimentary of cleanup efforts in the drainage ditches, ponds, and the river.
Cleanup Operations
On October 11, EPA dispatched response personnel to recover weathered product (oily wastes breaking down in the water) south of Lee’s Landing. LDEQ identified pockets of weathered product as the Tangipahoa River water levels receded following recent heavy rains. EPA is coordinating with Tangipahoa Parish to notify boaters on the river to reduce speed to no wake near EPA’s boating operations. EPA and LDEQ, with support from USCG, will continue to investigate reports of sheen associated with the Smitty’s Supply fire response in the river and the lake.
EPA personnel are conducting background sampling throughout the area to determine the presence and concentrations of substances in areas not impacted by the Smitty’s Supply fire. Results from EPA’s enhanced sampling efforts will be made available in the near future.
Community Engagement
EPA has met with over 1,700 community members and answered their questions at regular office hours and events that have taken place since September 12. Residents are invited to continue engaging with our response staff at the upcoming events listed below. EPA’s is also continuing to go door-to-door to engage with residents in Roseland.
Community Office Hours:
-Hammond Northshore Regional Air Show: Sunday, October 12, 8 am – 5 pm
-House of the Rock Church: Sunday, October 12, 9:45 am – 11 am
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: EPA has taken an all hands-on deck approach to the cleanup efforts at the Smitty's Supply Fire Response in Roseland, LA. Since day one, we have worked with the local and state governments in a unified command to get the Tangipahoa Parish community back to normal. EPA has brought in various subject matter experts to support these efforts. Thank you to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Tangipahoa Parish Government, Louisiana State Police and the Town Of Roseland. This is the true definition of cooperative federalism.
To stay up to date with the latest information, visit: www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire
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
U.S. EPA South Central Region: Following the Smitty's Supply fire, EPA is working closely with state, local, and federal partners to contain and remove oily materials from nearby waterways.
These before-and-after photos of Lee’s Landing show the progress made removing oily runoff. EPA remains committed to protecting public health and restoring the environment in affected communities. To stay up to date with the latest information, visit: www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Daily Smitty’s Supply Fire Response Update:
For more information: www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire
X:
@EPAregion6: EPA has taken an all hands on deck approach to the cleanup efforts at the Smitty's Supply Fire Response in Roseland, LA. Since day one, we have worked with the local and state governments in a unified command to get the Tangipahoa Parish community back to normal. EPA has brought in various subject matter experts to support these efforts. Thank you to @louisiana_deq, @TeamTangipahoa, @LAStatePolice and the Town Of Roseland. This is the true definition of cooperative federalism. To stay up to date with the latest information, visit: http://spgv.io/6019B9Bv
CLICK HERE TO READ AND REPOST.
@EPAregion6: 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: http://spgv.io/6019B9Bv
CLICK HERE TO READ AND REPOST.
@EPA: Daily Smitty’s Supply Fire Response Update
For more information: http://spgv.io/6019B9Bv
CLICK HERE TO READ AND REPOST.
Media Availability
For interview requests or to coordinate site visits, contact Kellen Ashford at ashford.kellen@epa.gov.