Texas Brine may be fined $5K a day for sinkhole

The company believed responsible for the massive sinkhole near Bayou Corne may have to pay a fine of up to $5,000 a day if it doesn't retroactively compensate evacuated residents.

Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James Welsh said Thursday Texas Brine Co. is required by the permit issued for a brine cavern they own in the Napoleonville salt dome to provide assistance to residents if a sinkhole develops.

The Houston-based company began providing a weekly housing check of $875 to evacuated locals last week.

But Welsh says Texas Brine needs to compensate locals for the troubles they've been experiencing since the sinkhole opened up Aug. 3.

Texas Brine spokesman Sonny Cranch said the company has been working to clarify issues regarding the order and they have every intention of complying.