'The smell is what got us' | Oil from Roseland explosion detected in Tangipahoa River

ROSELAND, La. — A day after a , residents along the Tangipahoa River woke up Saturday to an oily sheen and strong chemical odor on the water.

Authorities are now evaluating the environmental impact of the incident.

Christopher Parson, who traveled to Independence for a day on the river, said he was surprised by what he found.

“The smell is what got us,” Parson said. “We wanted to get the dogs out. We love the water, but there’s no water.”

Instead of a day of recreation, Parson said he left with concerns for the wildlife that lives in and along the river.

“They’ve trapped a lot here,” he said. “But how much has gotten through? How much is still getting through?”

Downstream from the plant, a thin layer of oil was visible on the surface of the river Saturday, stretching for miles. Resid