Photos via Assumption Parish

Geoprobe

by Chase Lowenstein

The Earth continues to swallow trees as officials from Louisiana and a Texas energy company continue to seek s solution to the Assumption Parish sinkhole. About 11 a.m. today, a 10 ft. X 50 ft. slough pulled in five trees and halted cleanup activity at the site, according to a report from the Parish. The slurry area near Bayou Corne was discovered August 3 and continues to grow in both size and danger. Many people in the area are worried about methane deposits that may be ignited from a quake.

The area is still under a State of Emergency from the governor and the Parish Emergency has been extended to least October 14. Local Highway 70 is open for traffic but local residents are still under a mandatory evacuation. 

The cause of the sinkhole is suspected to be a failed cavern underneath the slurry area owned by Texas Brine LLC. The company admitted to the failed cavern, but claimed that the sinkhole was the result of earthquakes. Officials said the collapse of the cavern and resulting sinkhole was the cause of the quakes.

Officials are drilling a well into the area of a failed brine cavern to try to release natural gas that is trapped. A third vent well was completed today, and flaring is expected by the weekend. The vents will hopefully allow natural gas to be released in a safe manner as opposed to explosion from seismic activity. Geoprobes are being driven down for further monitoring and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pursing access agreements with local landowners to allow geoprobes on their property.

According to the daily Assumption Parish Operation Situation Summary, Texas Brine will be issuing financial assistance for residents. For those concerned, go to St. Joseph the Worker Church Hall in Pierre Part or call the hotline at 1877-281-7311.

As of October 1, Texas Brine has limited their efforts to the daylight hours but continues to both monitor conditions and stabilize the area. Crosstex, owner of the nearby liquid butane caverns, has halted entry on new product, and is currently removing existing butane from wells. The United States Geological Survey confirms that the butane wells are not near any of the seismic activity that's been recorded. Nearby well owners Chevron also started moving natural gas out of caverns by injecting water into them.

There have been several tests on air and water in the area, most of which are still awaiting results. There have been reports of contaminated industrial water wells but drinking water contamination is still unconfirmed.  

There are also concerns of toxic chemicals in the air as well. Earlier surveys reported no VOC's (Volatile Organic Compound - specifically from diesel) in off-site air. Unfortunately, elevated VOC readings have been found on Sportsman Drive on Oct. 7 and analysis of the air is pending. For those in the area who would like the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) to monitor nearby air quality, call 225-219-3015.

The DEQ and DNR are working together in implementing long-term plans for remediation of the entire sinkhole-site. The plans include: weekly meetings, consistent presence of nearby staff, monitoring the area, continued sampling, and investigatory wells/vents.

According to the Texas Brine daily update on October 9, surface debris is continually being removed as well as hydrocarbon material. They report to recent changes in the size on the sinkhole and the current diameter is 480 feet.

To see the Assumption Parish Situation Summaries go here.

For the daily Texas Brine updates go here.

And for further information on the Bayou Corne Sinkhole go here.