Tangipahoa Parish officials issued an emergency closure of the Tangipahoa River Sunday evening in response to an explosion at a manufacturing plant in Roseland two days prior.

Dawson Primes, director of the parish's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparation, issued a proclamation Sunday closing the river between La. Highway 10 and La. Highway 22, along with any connecting waterways, in an effort to limit activity that may interfere with emergency crews working to contain the fire at Smitty's Supply Co.

Officials also said Sunday night that the EPA will now serve as lead agency on scene, replacing Smitty's as the coordinator for emergency response efforts.

The EPA is mobilizing its emergency rapid response services contractors to take over recovery efforts. The agency said

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