Cleaning up the oil leak in Bayou Lafourche has been going on for more than a day, according to Lafourche Parish officials. After oil spilled into a stormwater canal close to the Mill Street bridge and into the bayou, it was initially noticed on Saturday morning.
Four parishes receive their water from the bayou. Although the water is safe to drink as of Sunday, parish authorities are advising residents living south of the LA Hwy 182 Bridge to conserve water out of an abundance of caution.
As boom activity occurred on Sunday morning, several water intakes were momentarily turned off, according to Parish President Archie Chaisson.
“The main thing to remember is the water intakes are five to six feet below the water line. We’re not sucking water directly off the top of the bayou. So, if things float across, it doesn’t really matter what’s on top of the water as long as nothing is sinking,” Chaisson stated.
Chaisson also allayed worries that chemicals are being thrown into the lake via helicopter.
“No dispersions are being used. All oil is manually recovered,” Chaisson stated.
The parish claims that in order to assist with cleanup, more than 60 workers, 18 vessels, six vacuum trucks, and 4,300 feet of boom are being employed.
The precise amount of oil that leaked into the bayou from the neighboring Crescent Midstream facility is still unknown. According to Chaisson, the parish and the firm are collaborating to compute and disclose that figure on Monday.
“We want to make sure that number is very accurate so that the amount of product being taken out of the bayou can be zeroed out at the end of the day,” Chaisson stated.
According to Chaisson, they’re also attempting to verify the schedule for cleanup.n Meanwhile, on Sunday, people in Lafourche were restocking on water.
“I had gotten some yesterday, but I said let me get a few more today,” Patsy Comeaux stated, “I started washing today to hopefully get it done before so that I’m good for the rest of the week. So hopefully it’s not going to be too too long.”
According to Chaisson, oiled ducks were collected on Sunday and brought to Houma for rehabilitation. The public is being urged to report any oiled wildlife they come across. Give the location and description of the animal to 832-514-9663.
As you approach Highway 90, the northbound lane of LA Hwy 1 will be blocked because cleanup equipment is set up there. When approaching the area, drivers are urged to use caution by the parish.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established a No-Fly Zone from LA Hwy 182 to LA Hwy 654, one mile in either direction of Bayou Lafourche.
