La. Levies More Fines Against Texas Brine

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The LouisianaOffice 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.

Welsh fined the Houston company $80,000 for failing to install a containment system around the brine-filled, oil-tinged sinkhole near Bayou Corne, and another $80,000 for failing to install in-home methane monitors and home ventilation systems in slab foundation structures in the area.

The Advocate reports the new fines come in addition to $100,000 in fines Welsh issued on Dec. 1.

The sinkhole is located between the Bayou Corne and Grand Bayou communities south of La. Highway 70.