Massive Sinkhole in Louisiana’s Bayou Corne

Aerial photo of the Bayou Corne sinkhole on August 16, 2012

Aerial photo of the Bayou Corne sinkhole on August 16, 2012

A sinkhole formed at the beginning of August near a brine production operation in Bayou Corne near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The sinkhole, now referred to as a slurry hole, measures roughly 600 ft by 300 ft. Officials are speculating that one of Texas Brine, LLC’s salt caverns may have failed causing the sinkhole to form above it, however there is no definitive cause yet. An exploratory hole is being drilled to attempt to penetrate the salt cavern to determine its status. Water samples are being tested for salinity to compare values to natural occurring water chemistry. The collapse of the sinkhole was preceded by a period of several months of tremors and natural gas bubbling from area bayous and water wells. [Source: The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA. Image: Assumption Parish Police Jury]