News Summary
Cleanup efforts are ongoing on the Tangipahoa River following the fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. Environmental agencies are utilizing containment booms and skimmer boats to remove oily contaminants that have raised serious environmental and health concerns. Local environmentalists are also planning legal action to ensure accountability and community involvement in future cleanup decisions. Air quality tests have revealed toxic substances, though officials maintain they are not immediately dangerous, as residents remain concerned about ongoing petroleum odors in the area.
Lees Landing, Louisiana – Ongoing cleanup efforts are taking place on the Tangipahoa River following the fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc., which has raised serious environmental concerns in the area. On September 3, 2025, containment booms and absorbent materials were deployed to mitigate the spread of oily substances that have contaminated the river since the incident on August 22. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is spearheading the response, with contractors utilizing airboats to carry out the cleanup operations along the waterway.
The fire at Smitty’s Supply, a lubricants manufacturing facility, quickly escalated into an environmental disaster, resulting in oily contaminants traveling down the river toward the Joyce Wildlife Management Area. Containment booms, which are designed to prevent the spread of oil, have been deployed along dozens of miles of the river, stretching from Louisiana State Route 10 to its mouth where it converges with other waterways. The EPA reported that approximately 2.7 million gallons of oil and other materials have already been extracted, a volume comparable to filling four Olympic swimming pools.
As part of the ongoing cleanup efforts, both Marco and ES&H oil skimmer boats have been actively collecting oil from the river. Each skimmer has a capacity of 20 to 25 barrels and is making three trips daily to retrieve the contaminants. Workers are stationed along strategic points on the river, including the Lees Landing area, where the public boat launch remains closed to recreational traffic. Local residents have expressed their concerns as blobs of black oil have appeared near homes since the fire, highlighting fears related to wildlife and fishing impacts.
Despite the extensive cleanup operations underway, local environmentalists are taking action. A Louisiana environmental group has announced intentions to file a federal lawsuit against Smitty’s for potential violations of the Clean Water Act due to the contamination caused by the fire. The lawsuit aims not only to hold Smitty’s accountable but also to ensure community involvement in the decisions related to cleanup efforts moving forward.
Air samples taken near the explosion site have indicated the presence of toxic substances such as lead, barium, and arsenic; however, officials state these are not immediately dangerous to public health. Nonetheless, local residents continue to report persistent petroleum odors in the area, raising ongoing health concerns. Environmental officials emphasize the importance of monitoring both air and water quality as they conduct cleanup operations.
Areas of special concern include sensitive marsh and swamp environments within the Joyce Wildlife Management Area. The EPA has reiterated its commitment to address the impacts from the Smitty’s fire diligently, noting there is no specified endpoint for the collection of contaminants at this time. Ongoing cleanup is crucial for both the ecosystem and local community health as the situation evolves.
The incident at Smitty’s Supply is not the first time the facility has faced scrutiny; previous violations concerning contaminant discharges were reported to the EPA. The continuing response to the disaster underscores the complexities and challenges associated with environmental management in the region, prompting local and state officials to take immediate action to remedy the situation.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the contaminants from the Tangipahoa River have entered Lake Pontchartrain, which could present further environmental ramifications. As cleanup efforts progress, both officials and residents remain vigilant about the potential long-term effects on the region’s water quality and wildlife population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 8 Live: Oil Spill Cleanup Continues
- Wikipedia: Oil Spill
- Louisiana Illuminator: Lean Lawsuit Against Smitty’s
- Google Search: Environmental Disaster Tangipahoa River
- KPLC: Oil Being Collected Along Tangipahoa River
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Science
- NOLA: Louisiana Plant Explosion Update
- Google News: Smitty’s Supply Fire
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
