INDEPENDENCE, La. (FOX8) — Smitty’s Supply, the lubrication manufacturer at the center of a multi-million-dollar emergency cleanup along the Tangipahoa River, has moved some of its operations to a storage facility about 15 miles south of the site of August’s devastating plant explosion.

The Aug. 22 blast forced Roseland residents within one mile of the oil manufacturer to evacuate for safety. Emergency crews shut down Highway 51 at Highway 10 to respond to the scene.

No direct injuries have been reported, according to parish officials, but residents have questioned the lasting effects of the petrochemical-based materials that rained onto their homes and businesses.

Town approves controversial license

At a Tuesday night town meeting in Independence, Smitty’s occupational license for a s

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