Sinkhole Gas Flow Diminishing

BAYOU CORNE, La. (AP) — Officials say vent wells burning off gas trapped in an aquifer in Assumption Parish have removed slightly more than 2.7 million cubic feet of gas since flaring began.

But those same officials tell The Advocate (bit.ly/VyPRe0) what remains unclear is what kind of progress that figure represented toward diminishing the gas threat for the Bayou Corne and Grand Bayou communities.

About 150 homes have been under an evacuation order since Aug. 3.

Scientists believe the gas migrated upward from natural formations along the Napoleonville Dome after a Texas Brine Co. LLC cavern in the salt dome failed this summer and caused a large sinkhole to form.

The parish director of emergency preparedness says more information is needed about what has happened to free the gas in the aquifer.