EPA Cleanup Progresses Following Smitty’s Supply Fire in Roseland, Louisiana
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. Crews using equipment including containment boom, skimmers, and vacuum trucks are working at four sites to contain and remove recoverable contamination from the Tangipahoa River and nearby ditches and ponds. To date, over 2.15 million gallons of material mixed with water have been recovered and stored in frac tanks for off-site disposal at an approved facility.
EPA created a user-friendly website for all available information about the response, including:
- Recent sampling and monitoring results
- Cleanup progress updates
- Photos from the field
- An interactive storymap
Some notable response metrics include:
- 2,150,400 gallons of material recovered
- 21,180 feet of containment boom laid
- 269 total EPA and contractor personnel deployed
Contaminated material from the fire has not reached Lake Pontchartrain. Containment boom is laid across the Tangipahoa River south of the last visible material to ensure it does not migrate to the lake. the Tangipahoa River is not a source of drinking water, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has assessed the local water treatment facility, confirming it was not impacted.
EPA appreciates the partnership of cooperating local, state and federal agencies during this response.
- For health concerns: Contact the Louisiana Poison Center Hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222, or personal doctor.
- Impacted wildlife: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at (225) 765-2800.
- Fish kill: Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation at (800) 442-2511.
- Animal health questions: State veterinarian’s office at (800) 558-9741 or local veterinarian.
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