Following the explosion at Smitty’s Supply Inc. near Roseland, Louisiana, a toxic black rain containing oily soot fell across the surrounding community. Homes, vehicles, playgrounds, and the grounds of Roseland Montessori School were coated with this fallout.

Independent testing has identified hazardous chemicals including arsenic, lead, barium, chromium, plasticizers (DEHP), and other industrial contaminants. Since the explosion, residents have reported persistent coughing, burning eyes, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms consistent with chemical exposure. Animals and wildlife in the area have also been reported sick or dead.

Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins. Their developing lungs, immune systems, and neurological systems are more sensitive to heavy metals and industrial chemicals that can cause long-term health damage.

Despite these serious concerns, local officials continue to insist that the school environment is safe. Parents and community members strongly disagree and believe that asking children to learn and play on potentially contaminated property places them at unacceptable risk.

Until thorough environmental testing and remediation are completed, Roseland Montessori School should not remain open.

 
Our Demands
We, the parents, families, and citizens of Tangipahoa Parish, call for the following immediate actions to protect public health and the safety of our children.

1. Immediate Closure of Roseland Montessori School
Roseland Montessori School must be closed immediately until independent environmental and public health experts determine the property is safe.

2. Temporary Relocation of Students and Staff
Students and staff should be relocated to a safe temporary learning facility until environmental testing and cleanup are completed.

3. Comprehensive Environmental Testing
Officials must conduct extensive testing of soil, groundwater, surface water, air quality, and sediment within at least a 13-mile radius of the explosion site.

Testing should include residential neighborhoods, schools, playgrounds, agricultural land, and nearby waterways.

4. Independent Third-Party Environmental Investigation
Environmental testing must be conducted or verified by independent laboratories and environmental experts, with oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure transparency and accuracy.

5. Public Release of Environmental Data
All environmental test results must be publicly released within 48 hours of being received by government agencies. Results should be communicated clearly so residents understand the risks.

6. Long-Term Environmental Monitoring
Permanent monitoring should be established to track contamination levels in soil, water, and air over time. Monitoring should continue until independent experts confirm the area is safe.

7. Free Medical Screening for Residents
Local, state, and federal agencies should provide free health screenings for residents exposed to the fallout, including testing for heavy metal exposure and other toxic substances. Children should be prioritized.

8. Environmental Cleanup and Remediation Plan
Officials must publish a detailed cleanup and remediation plan outlining how contaminated soil, water, and surfaces will be addressed and the expected timeline for restoring safety.

9. Protection and Monitoring of the Tangipahoa River
Environmental testing and monitoring should be conducted on the Tangipahoa River to determine the extent of contamination affecting aquatic life and downstream communities.

10. Public Community Hearing
A public hearing must be held so residents, parents, scientists, and environmental experts can present evidence and ask questions directly to parish officials and regulatory agencies.

11. Investigation and Accountability
A full investigation should be conducted into the explosion at Smitty’s Supply Inc. to determine whether safety violations, regulatory failures, or negligence contributed to the disaster.

If violations occurred, responsible parties must be held accountable and required to fund environmental cleanup and community health protections.

12. Citizen Oversight Committee
A community oversight committee composed of parents, residents, environmental scientists, and public health experts should be established to ensure transparency throughout the investigation and cleanup process.

 
Escalation and Oversight Request
If immediate protective actions are not taken by parish leadership, we request escalation of this matter to state and federal authorities.

Copies of this petition and supporting evidence will be submitted to the following agencies:

• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
• Louisiana Department of Health
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

These agencies should review the environmental contamination, evaluate public health risks, and ensure appropriate remediation and enforcement actions are taken.

 
Why This Matters
• Toxic black rain coated homes, vehicles, playgrounds, and school property after the explosion.
• Independent testing confirmed the presence of hazardous heavy metals and industrial chemicals.
• Families report respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
• Wildlife and animals have been reported sick or dead.
• Contamination reports have come from communities more than 13 miles away.

Children deserve a safe place to learn. Until the risks are fully investigated and addressed, Roseland Montessori School should remain closed.

 
Take Action
By signing this petition, you are standing up for the health and safety of the children and families of Tangipahoa Parish.

Please sign and share so officials take immediate action.