Louisiana's 'Bayou Corne' Evacuated: Swamp Gas Turns into Monster Sinkhole

Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Friday in Assumption Parish after officials ordered an immediate evacuation of the Bayou Corne area because a slurry area appeared to be expanding.

“The fear of the unknown prompted the evacuation order,” said John Boudreaux, director of the parish’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. “The fear of it possibly compromising either the nearby pipelines or cavern storage areas, that could cause a risk to the community.”

Boudreaux said about 150 homes are affected by the order. He was unsure how long it would remain in effect. The governor’s emergency proclamation extends through Sept. 2 unless terminated earlier.

The sinkhole   Methane bubbles have become more prolific since Saturday, Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack said.Monday, Parish officials disclosed that analysis by researchers shows the sinkhole is filled mainly with saltwater with traces of diesel and oil at the surface, both of which nearby Texas Brine Company’s unused cavern had in it.”The mud and vegetation observed from the air also are only floating on the surface of the water,” The Advocate reported Tuesday afternoon.The slurry area is south of La. 70 South, 2,500 feet from the nearest home in the Bayou Corne community, and only 1,500 feet from a butane-filled cavern.The mysterious bubbling has been noticed for two months in the area swamps and bayous by concerned locals who want answers.

“We just want answers. That’s all we want,” one Bayou Corne local man told NBC 33 News on Sunday. “We want to know whether we are safe or not right here.”

Related article: What are Sinkholes?

Source and author: Sheilaaliens * wafb