A months-long environmental crisis in Tangipahoa Parish is raising new concerns about water safety, long-term contamination, and public health.
Independent testing expert Scott Smith says more than 11 million gallons of oil have spilled from the Smitty’s site since an explosion and fire in August. He compares the scale to a combination of the BP oil spill and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
The fire was contained within days. The contamination was not.
Oil and chemical runoff continues to move through drainage systems into the Tangipahoa River, eventually reaching Lake Pontchartrain. Experts say that flow creates an ongoing exposure risk for communities downstream.
The biggest concern centers on “forever chemicals,” including PFAS and dioxins. These substances do not break down easily. They build up in soil, water, and the human body over time. Even small concentrations can pose risks because toxicity is measured in parts per billion or trillion.
Smith says the situation remains unclear because testing has been limited. Early response efforts focused on air quality instead of soil and water contamination. That left gaps in understanding how far pollutants have spread.
Now, attention is shifting to well water. Officials in Roseland requested additional testing after reports of possible contamination and symptoms like skin irritation. Results are still pending.
Experts stress one point. The problem cannot be fixed without clear data.
They recommend:
- Testing private well water
- Monitoring river conditions
- Installing filtration systems if needed
- Reporting unusual smells or health symptoms
The spill is no longer just a local issue. It is a moving one.
As long as runoff continues, the impact could extend far beyond the original site.