An explosion and fire on Aug. 22 at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, La., has kicked off a full hazmat response with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grabbing the reins. Smitty’s manufactures lubricants at the site and employs about 400 workers.
EPA is mobilizing Emergency Rapid Response Services contractors to coordinate response efforts and continue operations during the transition. Previously, the responsible party (Smitty’s), was coordinating these efforts.
The current agencies participating in response operations will continue to coordinate, including Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Louisiana State Police, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the National Weather Service, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Tangipahoa Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
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To date, no injuries have been reported. Nearly 150 personnel are engaged in field operations, representing all levels of government and contracted support.
The mandatory evacuation remained in effect Aug. 25, within a one-mile radius of the incident site. The Temporary Flight Restriction also remained in place for three nautical miles around the site and up to 5,000 feet above surface level.
EPA plans contain any remaining onsite hazardous materials and recover unburned material from the facility in ditches, ponds, and the Tangipahoa River. The recovered materials will be transported and disposed of in an EPA-approved facility, EPA says.
“EPA understands that no single agency can tackle a response like this, and we provided support as soon as the State of Louisiana requested it,” said EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “We are stepping in to lead the effort now at the state’s request to ensure that the work is completed quickly so the community can get back on its feet as soon as possible.”
As of Aug. 24, 90% of the fire was contained.
WAFB reports that EPA and state officials said 1,900 feet of boom have been deployed along the Tangipahoa River, with crews pumping fluids away from the site. So far, about 900 barrels have been recovered. Officials said air monitoring continues to show either non-detectable levels or readings below health-based thresholds.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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