Daily Update: EPA Cleanup Continues in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Daily Update: EPA Cleanup Continues in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

October 3, 2025

DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 3, 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:

• 8,683,479 gallons of liquid wastes recovered
• 4,915,000 gallons of liquid wastes removed for disposal
• 22,400 feet of containment boom laid
• Over 375 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; increased the recovery rate of oily material; and deployed boom and sorbent material in ponds and the Tangipahoa River to capture contaminated runoff. 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. At the ponds, crews are working 24 hours a day to contain and recover oily wastes.

This week EPA increased the rate of oil recovery with new equipment, including six drum skimmers, two foilex skimmers, and two marsh buggies. The number of frac tanks, which store recovered material prior to disposal, has been increased to 47.

Community Engagement

EPA has met with hundreds of 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:

• Friday, October 3

Kentwood Public Library, 3 - 5 pm

• Tangipahoa Parish Fair: Friday-Sunday, October 3-5 (Outside of the Florida Parishes Arena)

• Saturday, October 4

Lee's Landing Marina, 10 am - 2 pm

Amite Public Library, 10 am - 1 pm

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/la/smittys-supply-fireExit EPA's website

Media Availability

For interview requests or to coordinate site visits, contact Jennah Durant at [email protected].

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on FacebookExit EPA's website, XExit EPA's website, InstagramExit EPA's website, or visit our homepage.