On May 8, 2026, EPA was
notified by the National Response Center (NRC) of an explosion and fire at the
PBF Chalmette Refinery in Chalmette, Louisiana. The cause of the explosion is
unknown.
After follow-up with
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), EPA responded to the
incident as the lead federal agency. EPA joined Unified Command with state and
local response partners.
By 4 pm local time, the
fire was extinguished and the local Fire Department demobilized.
All fenceline and
community air monitoring measured no detections. All fire suppression water was
contained and treated within the facility’s stormwater collection and treatment
system.
EPA demobilized on May 8,
2026.
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