Assumption residents to get briefing on sinkhole

PIERRE PART — People living near a large sinkhole that swallowed trees and forced evacuations will be briefed Tuesday by officials.

A community meeting has been set for 6:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church Hall in Pierre Part.

The parish police jury also has set up a blog to keep people informed. The blog is at: www.assumptionla.wordpress.com.

On Monday officials said the sinkhole measured 381 feet deep and 372 feet in diameter. Officials also announced that tests found diesel and oil on the surface of the pond of muck that's formed atop a salt dome where natural gas is stored.

Experts are trying to determine whether the occurrence was natural or manmade.

About 150 homes and several businesses were ordered to evacuate after a state of emergency was declared.