Nearly one year after the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Tangipahoa Parish, residents still want answers. Community members continue to raise concerns about environmental safety and possible contamination. Environmental investigator Scott Smith recently shared an update on “Mornings with Brian Haldane.”
Smith said runoff from the explosion site still enters nearby drainage systems when it rains. That runoff eventually reaches the Tangipahoa River. He said chemicals linked to the incident remain a concern. Those chemicals include PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and dioxins. These substances can stay in the environment for years.
Smith also said residents have reported changes in local wildlife. Some people say they see fewer fish, frogs, and other animals near affected waterways. According to Smith, testing has traced contamination from the explosion site into the Tangipahoa River and toward Lake Pontchartrain.
There is some good news. Smith said recent testing found no major contamination in Roseland’s drinking water supply. Officials tested water from a deep aquifer and found it remains safe. More testing will take place in the coming months. That work will help officials track any future changes.
Smith believes cleanup efforts can still reduce contamination. He said environmental experts have several options for treating affected soil and waterways. However, he also said officials need stronger measures to stop runoff from reaching local rivers and streams.
State and local leaders continue to monitor conditions. Residents hope new testing and future cleanup efforts will provide more answers. For now, investigators plan to keep tracking environmental impacts from the August 2025 explosion.