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Toxic Waste Disposal Controversy: Smitty's Supply Disaster Sparks Concerns
13 Nov
Summary
- Millions of gallons of oily water and petrochemicals spilled after Smitty's Supply fire
- State grants emergency permit to send waste to River Birch landfill in Jefferson Parish
- Concerns raised over potential environmental impact and hazardous waste disposal

Nearly six weeks after the devastating fire and explosion at the Smitty's Supply facility in Roseland, Louisiana, the aftermath continues to unfold. Millions of gallons of oily water and spilled petrochemicals have been managed at three different sites, but state officials have now granted an emergency request to bring some of the liquid and solid waste to a landfill in Jefferson Parish.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has approved a permit exemption for River Birch LLC, which operates a landfill in Avondale, to accept the waste recovered from the Smitty's Supply disaster. This decision has raised concerns among local residents and environmental advocates, who question the safety and appropriateness of transporting hazardous materials from Tangipahoa Parish to a facility outside the immediate area.




