News Summary
Cleanup operations are in full swing on the Tangipahoa River following a fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. on August 22, 2025, which led to significant contamination. The EPA has deployed containment and cleanup measures as local residents express health and environmental concerns. A lawsuit against Smitty’s is also in the works as the agency investigates the impact of the spill on wildlife and local communities.
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana – Cleanup operations are currently in full swing on the Tangipahoa River following a fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. that occurred on August 22, 2025. Contaminants from this fire have made their way to the river, leading to significant environmental and public health concerns. As of September 3, 2025, the Lees Landing public boat launch has been closed to recreational traffic as a precautionary measure against the contamination.
Teams contracted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been deploying orange containment booms and white absorbent booms along over 45 miles of the river to mitigate the impacts of the spill. These booms have been stretched from Louisiana Highway 10 to the mouth of the river, encompassing a substantial distance to contain the pollutants effectively. Cleanup crews are operating oil skimmer boats designed to collect contaminants from the surface of the water. Each skimmer boat has the capacity to carry between 20 to 25 barrels of oil per trip, making approximately two to three trips each day. To date, these operations have resulted in the collection of around 2.7 million gallons of contaminated material.
Reports from environmental cleanup workers indicate that their teams are proactively utilizing vacuum hoses and skimmers to address the situation post-fire. Local residents like Scott Silva have expressed their concerns, noting the presence of oil blobs and strong petroleum odors since the incident. As a result, there are growing worries about the potential impacts on local wildlife and the overall ecosystem in the area.
The EPA is diligently monitoring air quality as a part of their containment strategy in affected areas. They have already deployed over 4.1 miles of boom to prevent further contamination spread. Additionally, a state wildlife response team has been engaged in monitoring wildlife and containing the effects of the fire. So far, one deceased turtle has been reported, raising alarm about the potential impact of the pollution on local fauna.
In light of the contamination and its implications, the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) has announced plans to file a citizen lawsuit against Smitty’s Supply for violations of the Clean Water Act. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident itself, but a one-mile evacuation zone was implemented for safety during the fire.
As cleanup efforts continue, EPA officials have not yet confirmed whether the contaminants have reached Lake Pontchartrain, though they stress the importance of ongoing operations to prevent such an outcome. The agency has allocated $6 million for emergency response efforts, and follow-up assessments and analysis of the contaminants are expected to take place in the near future.
Health and environmental advocates have raised concerns regarding the public health implications of the contamination, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children residing in the vicinity. Local residents have reported adverse odors and air quality issues, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of the incident on their daily lives.
Interestingly, Smitty’s Supply has a history of environmental violations and fines, which places them under additional scrutiny as cleanup operations progress. The situation continues to develop as local, state, and federal agencies work together to restore safety and protect the community’s health and environment amidst this ongoing crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 8 Live: Oil Spill Cleanup Continues
- KPLC: Oil Being Collected Along Tangipahoa River
- LA Illuminator: LEAN Lawsuit Against Smitty’s
- NOLA: Louisiana Plant Explosion and Environmental Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oil Spill Cleanup
- Google Search: Oil Spill Effects on Wildlife
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.
