Tagged: sinkhole

The Louisiana Office of Conservation has modified orders requiring Texas Brine Co. LLC to assess the status of sediments under an 8.5-acre sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish, prompting the company to withdraw a lawsuit filed last month against the state.

A Houston-based company has asked a state court in Baton Rouge to permanently block the Louisiana conservation commissioner's order for new exploratory wells and other steps meant to monitor the effects of a huge sinkhole in Assumption Parish.

The Advocate reports that Texas Brine Co. LLC also challenges Commissioner James Welsh's declaration of an emergency, which let him order the steps without a hearing.

State highway officials say they'll start a six-month study early next year into the feasibility of an alternative route around an eight-acre sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish.

The Advocate says the study is the initial step the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development takes to consider a proposed highway.

DOTD spokesman Dustin Annison says the study will determine if "the route could be built in the affected area in the event that Louisiana 70 is compromised."

The Louisiana Office of Conservation has levied an additional $160,000 fine against Texas Brine Co. LLC.

Commissioner James Welsh says the fine levied Monday is for continued failure to comply with his directives for an 8-acre sinkhole and oil and methane releases in northern Assumption Parish.