New Chemicals Found in Tangipahoa River Six Months After Smitty's Supply Explosion
Six months after the Smitty's Supply explosion, new dangerous chemicals have been discovered in the Tangipahoa River, raising significant health concerns among local residents. Environmental activist Scott Smith's testing revealed the chemicals, prompting a town hall meeting. Residents like Evan Wootan report lingering black soot and health issues for their livestock. Smitty's Supply states they are working with the LDEQ on extensive treatment and testing, focusing on safety and long-term site stability, amidst continued community worry over water quality and well-being.
Six months following the explosion at Smitty's Supply, environmental activist Scott Smith has reported the discovery of new, dangerous chemicals in the Tangipahoa River, intensifying community concerns about health and environmental safety. Residents in the vicinity, such as Evan Wootan, who lives next to the chemical plant, continue to experience the direct aftermath, including persistent black soot covering his property and leaves, alongside health issues affecting his goats. A town hall meeting, led by Smith, highlighted these concerns, with Smith emphasizing his objective to inform the public about potential chemical exposure so they can seek necessary help. He noted the river's importance for local livelihoods and diet, citing continued reports of people and pets falling ill. Russell Honore also expressed alarm over oil still visible in the Tangipahoa River. Smitty's Supply issued a statement acknowledging the importance of the situation to the community, stating they are collaborating with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) on comprehensive treatment and testing processes. They asserted their commitment to safety and ensuring long-term site stability. However, local leaders from Tangipahoa Parish have yet to provide an update, leaving residents anxious about the full scope of contamination and its long-term health implications for the essential waterway and surrounding community. This ongoing situation underscores the deep anxiety and demand for transparency from those directly impacted by the industrial incident.
