Story perspectives

Emergency Permit Granted for River Birch to Handle Hazardous Waste

11/14/2025

49 6

Summary

Story summary

Officials in Jefferson Parish approved an emergency request allowing River Birch LLC to accept waste from Smitty’s Supply fire under a 180-day emergency permit.
Since the August disaster, more than 12 million gallons of contaminated liquid waste have been recovered.
River Birch LLC’s injection wells, normally used for non-hazardous waste, can handle certain hazardous materials mixed with water.
Smitty’s Supply faces environmental-violation lawsuits with penalties potentially exceeding a billion dollars.

1 of 1

Story summary

Officials in Jefferson Parish approved an emergency request allowing River Birch LLC to accept waste from Smitty’s Supply fire under a 180-day emergency permit.
Since the August disaster, more than 12 million gallons of contaminated liquid waste have been recovered.
River Birch LLC’s injection wells, normally used for non-hazardous waste, can handle certain hazardous materials mixed with water.
Smitty’s Supply faces environmental-violation lawsuits with penalties potentially exceeding a billion dollars.