Texas Brine Billed $321,000 For Assumption Parish Sinkhole

BAYOU CORNE, La. (AP) — Assumption Parish officials have asked Texas Brine Co. of Houston to reimburse the parish for about $321,000 spent in its response to a sinkhole now believed to have been caused by the company's failed salt cavern.

The 5.5-acre sinkhole near Bayou Corne was found early Aug. 3, prompting a mandatory evacuation of 150 homes in the area. The evacuation remains in place.

The Advocate reports parish officials and state agencies set up a command post in Bayou Corne to monitor and respond daily to changes in the sinkhole.

Officials say manpower costs, especially overtime, are mounting for the parish as the sheriff's office and parish police jury keep personnel stationed at the command post. Also, the sheriff has deputies monitoring evacuated areas 24 hours day.