Holding Industry Accountable: Our Work in the Smitty’s Supply Environmental Litigation

At our firm, we believe that corporate responsibility isn’t optional—it’s a legal obligation. Recently, our own Clay Garside has been at the forefront of a major environmental legal battle in Tangipahoa Parish, representing the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) and Northshore Riverwatch.

The Background: A “Horror Show” in Roseland

Following the catastrophic fire and explosion at the Smitty’s Supply Inc. facility in August 2025, federal and state regulators uncovered what Clay described to the Louisiana Illuminator as a “horror show.”

EPA inspections revealed:

• Over 300 unlabeled containers of unidentified substances.
• Cracked containment walls with chemical leaks seeping into the ground.
• Widespread spills—some up to 3 inches thick—that were left untouched or haphazardly covered with cardboard.

Why an “Intervention” Matters

While the EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) have filed their own civil suit against Smitty’s, Clay is leading the charge for LEAN and Northshore Riverwatch to file an Intervention in the lawsuit.

Why is this necessary? An intervention allows community-focused advocacy groups to have a seat at the table. It ensures that any settlement or court order isn’t just a “slap on the wrist” fine, but a comprehensive plan that:

1. Fully remediates the 47 miles of downstream contamination.
2. Protects the Tangipahoa River from future leaks.
3. Addresses the “significant noncompliance” that has plagued this facility for years.

A Voice for the Community

As featured in the Louisiana Illuminator, Clay’s work highlights a disturbing trend of shortcuts and negligence. By intervening, we are making sure the voices of the residents who live near these hazardous sites are heard as loudly as the government regulators.

“The findings depict a horror show unlike any I have seen… our goal is to ensure the company fully addresses the impact of this disaster.” — Clay Garside

Stay Updated

We will continue to fight for environmental justice and hold polluters accountable for the damage they cause to Louisiana’s waterways and communities.

https://lailluminator.com/2026/04/22/environmental-groups-want-to-join-governments-case-against-smittys-supply/