The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively involved in cleanup efforts in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, following a fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. in August. Scott Mason, EPA Region 6 Administrator, detailed these efforts in a letter to the Tangi Times. Over 450 EPA personnel and contractors have worked to clean the Tangipahoa River and nearby areas, removing over 11 million gallons of oily material.
"The fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc. in August disrupted life in Tangipahoa Parish," Mason noted. The incident led to evacuations and road closures, raising concerns about environmental impacts on the Tangipahoa River.
EPA has entered into a consent order with Smitty’s Supply Inc., mandating the company to handle cleanup responsibilities and cover certain costs incurred by the U.S. The agency has also issued a Pollution Removal Funding Authorization to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for ongoing cleanup efforts.
Mason praised local cooperation: "Through it all, the people of Tangipahoa Parish have responded with remarkable cooperation and resilience." He highlighted that neighbors provided staging areas for operations and local officials coordinated with federal teams.
The progress includes completing cleanup for nearly 16 miles of the river, representing over 30% of the affected area. Daily recovery rates have increased significantly due to new equipment like drum skimmers and marsh excavators.
"Perhaps most importantly, when recent heavy rains tested our response systems, our stormwater controls worked," Mason said.
The EPA plans to maintain oversight as cleanup continues under a coordinated approach involving Smitty’s Supply handling facility cleanup, state-led river and pond efforts under federal oversight, and local coordination by Tangipahoa Parish.
Mason emphasized EPA's commitment: "Make no mistake, EPA is committed to remaining a partner throughout cleanup efforts." The agency will continue community engagement through office hours attended by over 2,200 residents so far.
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