PFAS contamination raises new concerns in Louisiana facility's stormwater discharges

Newly released lab data and regulatory filings are intensifying scrutiny of stormwater discharges from Smitty’s Supply Inc. following its 2025 facility explosion in Louisiana, with findings pointing to elevated levels of PFAS and other contaminants entering nearby waterways.

According to reporting by the Louisiana Illuminator, sampling of stormwater discharges identified at least 24 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with some concentrations far exceeding federal water quality benchmarks. In one instance, PFAS levels measured thousands of times higher than U.S. EPA drinking water guidelines, raising concerns about pollutant transport through stormwater pathways into the Tangipahoa River and downstream systems.

These findings come as part of a broader investigation into contamination linked to the August 2025 fire and explosion, which released large volumes of petroleum products and chemicals. Cleanup efforts have recovered more than 13 million gallons of contaminated liquids and materials, while ongoing stormwater discharges—particularly during heavy rain events—continue to present management challenges.

A separate 120-day follow-up report submitted to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality outlines corrective actions taken after an earlier unauthorized discharge involving sodium hydroxide and boiler wastewater. The report details equipment failures, response actions and system upgrades aimed at preventing future releases, along with enhanced monitoring and compliance measures.