Federal authorities have not disclosed which hazardous materials were stored at the Smitty's Supply facility in Roseland, Louisiana, where an explosion and fire on August 22 sent contaminated smoke and residue into surrounding farms, waterways, and homes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed it possesses a detailed inventory but has refused to release it publicly, citing concerns over "Confidential Business Information (CBI)" provided by the company.

The EPA has been leading cleanup and communications since the disaster, yet after multiple public records requests, the agency admitted it must wait for Smitty's legal team to determine whether the list can be disclosed. Critics, including environmental scientists and farm advocates, say the delay threatens public trust and obstructs emergency response transparency.

Oily residue from the fire blanketed adjacent agricultural lands, with more than 5.6 million gallons of polluted water and materials removed from the area. According to state environmental records, the site contained xylene, naphthalene, ethylene glycol, and phosphoric acid, among others-chemicals commonly used in industrial and automotive products, with known environmental and health risks. Still, there is no confirmation whether those were released or in what quantity.

In a move that has alarmed health and agricultural experts, the EPA raised its allowable air pollution threshold to 300 micrograms per cubic meter for this event-far exceeding the standard 24-hour hazardous level of 250.5 µg/m³. Corinne Gibb, a chemist with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, said, "This is more than 30 times higher than normal. I've never seen anything like it." Monitoring showed air quality levels at 250 µg/m³, and the agency then paused readings for 10 hours, citing calibration needs during active fire operations.

Further testing showed elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals including arsenic, barium, and lead in nearby water sources. These pollutants exceed federal drinking water standards and are linked to cancer and organ damage. Experts say this also implies possible contamination of soil, crops, and livestock feed-a critical concern for nearby agricultural producers.

Additional complications arose when five radioactive gauges containing Americium-241 were recovered, but a sixth suspected device was missing. Later, it was discovered to be an industrial X-ray machine, also unaccounted for until a week after authorities stopped searching.

Cleanup costs have surpassed $39 million, and Smitty's Supply is liable for damages. Some Louisiana farmers have filed lawsuits, citing losses to property, crops, and livestock from the fallout. These producers now face uncertainty about loterm soil viability and water safety.

As pressure mounts, the EPA's actions have drawn sharp criticism for lacking transparency, offering inadequate environmental protection, and prioritizing corporate confidentiality over public safety. Advocacy groups and agricultural leaders are demanding full disclosure of the chemical inventory, clear communication of exposure thresholds, and ongoing soil and water monitoring to ensure rural communities aren't left in the dark.