High Levels of 'Forever Chemicals' Detected in Louisiana Stormwater Discharges
Lab reports reveal high levels of cancer-linked “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in stormwater discharged from a destroyed petrochemical facility in Roseland, Louisiana. The Smitty's Supply Inc. site, which exploded last August, shows extensive contamination, with some PFAS levels thousands of times higher than EPA guidelines. These persistent chemicals, potentially from firefighting foam and company inventory, threaten local waterways and groundwater, posing significant long-term environmental and health challenges as current treatment methods are ineffective.
Newly released lab reports from state environmental officials confirm alarming levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in stormwater discharges from the Smitty's Supply Inc. petrochemical facility in Roseland, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The facility experienced a fire and explosion last August, leading to widespread chemical contamination. Analysis revealed at least 24 different PFAS compounds, with some exhibiting concentrations thousands of times exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water guidelines. For instance, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was found at 13,000 parts per trillion in one sample, 3,250 times the safe level.These synthetic compounds are highly persistent in the environment and are linked to severe health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and hormone disruptions. Experts believe the PFAS likely originated from firefighting foams used to combat the fire and possibly from the facility's extensive inventory of industrial lubricants and fluids. Despite ongoing cleanup efforts, including the recovery of over 13 million gallons of oily liquids, the company's current stormwater treatment system is incapable of removing PFAS. The contaminated stormwater drains into the Tangipahoa River, which flows into Lake Pontchartrain, raising concerns about broader environmental impact and potential groundwater contamination, as PFAS are highly mobile. Multiple state and federal agencies, including the LDEQ, EPA Criminal Investigation Division, and FBI, are actively investigating the disaster, highlighting the significant, long-term environmental challenge posed by these difficult-to-degrade chemicals.
