ICYMI: EPA Stands With Tangipahoa Through Recovery and Beyond

ICYMI: EPA Stands With Tangipahoa Through Recovery and Beyond

October 20, 2025

DALLAS - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason penned a Letter to the Editor in the Tangi Times outlining the agency's cleanup efforts in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana following the Smitty's Supply Inc. fire in August. For almost two months, over 450 EPA personnel and contractors worked around the clock to clean up the Tangipahoa River, nearby ponds, and Smitty's Supply, including removing more than 11 million gallons of oily material. From day one, the Trump EPA worked in partnership with the community-who showed remarkable cooperation and resilience-in restoring their land, water, and way of life.

On October 15, 2025, EPA enteredinto a consent order with Smitty's Supply Inc., requiring the company to take responsibility for cleanup and to pay certain response costs incurred by the United States. The agency issued a Pollution Removal Funding Authorization to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to continue cleanup of the Tangipahoa River and nearby ponds. EPA will continue to serve as a federal partner, continuing strict oversight as the cleanup progresses.

Read what Regional Administrator Scott Mason had to say:

"The fire at Smitty's Supply Inc. in August disrupted life in Tangipahoa Parish. Families temporarily left their homes, Highway 51 closed to through traffic, and concerns arose about potential impacts to the Tangipahoa River-a treasured resource for your Sportsman's Paradise. The weeks following the incident brought understandable questions and concerns for the community.

"Through it all, the people of Tangipahoa Parish have responded with remarkable cooperation and resilience, demonstrating the strength of Louisiana communities when they come together.

"From the moment the fire broke out, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been your partner. Our emergency responders arrived immediately, working alongside local firefighters to extinguish the flames and stabilize the facility. As the scope of the environmental impact became clear, EPA transitioned to lead the cleanup efforts-and Tangipahoa Parish welcomed us with open arms. Neighbors like Nancy Clement and Miss Charlene opened their properties as staging areas for river operations. Parish President Miller and local officials coordinated tirelessly with our federal teams. This spirit of cooperation has been the foundation of every gallon recovered, and every mile of river restored.

"The progress has been substantial. Working around the clock with over 450 EPA personnel and contractors, we've recovered more than 11 million gallons of oily material-with over 7 million gallons already removed for disposal. Cleanup is complete for nearly 16 miles of the Tangipahoa River, representing over 30% of the impacted area. Daily recovery rates have more than doubled, from 85,000 to 175,000 gallons per day, thanks to new equipment including drum skimmers, rope skimmers, and marsh excavators. 22,400 feet of containment boom and nearly 5,000 bales of sorbent material line the waterways, capturing contamination before it can spread.

"Perhaps most importantly, when recent heavy rains tested our response systems, our stormwater controls worked.

"EPA is announcing a clear path forward that ensures accountability and continued progress. We have entered into a consent order with Smitty's Supply requiring the company to clean up the facility, properly dispose of contaminated materials, and prevent further releases. EPA will maintain close oversight of this work. At the same time, we are issuing a Pollution Removal Funding Authorization to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to continue cleanup of the Tangipahoa River and nearby ponds, with EPA remaining as the federal on-scene coordinator and funding support coming from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

"This coordinated approach, with Smitty's handling the facility, the state leading river and pond cleanup under our oversight, and Tangipahoa Parish serving as local coordinator, ensures the work continues efficiently while holding the responsible party accountable.

"EPA brings proven expertise to this challenge. Earlier this year, we completed the largest wildfire cleanup in our agency's history after the Los Angeles fires, clearing over 13,000 properties of hazardous material in under 30 days. Following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, EPA managed the safe recovery and recycling of 20,000 gallons of oil and contaminated fluids. That same determination and innovation is being applied right here in Roseland.

"The road ahead requires continued partnership. Our crews are managing the recent sheen reported near Lee's Landing -waiting for conditions to improve after dangerous rainfall before resuming river operations in coordination with the Coast Guard. Ongoing water and sediment sampling will guide our next steps. Highway 51 must remain closed near the facility for everyone's safety as heavy equipment continues moving materials offsite, but we are working aggressively with the responsible party-Smitty's Supply-and the parish on completing the cleanup work needed for the highway to reopen.

"Make no mistake, EPA is committed to remaining a partner throughout cleanup efforts. We will continue finding innovative ways to accelerate cleanup. We will continue our community office hours where we've already met with more than 2,200 residents. And we will continue protecting what makes Tangipahoa Parish special-your land, your water, and your way of life.

"This is more than a federal cleanup operation. It's a promise to restore what was damaged and a partnership that will endure long after the last gallon is recovered. The people of Tangipahoa Parish have been exceptional partners from day one. EPA will continue to be yours."