Tagged: sinkhole

A Houston-based brine company has agreed to make a "significant contribution" to a fund for residents ordered to evacuate their homes after a sinkhole formed in Assumption Parish that may be connected to one of the company's salt caverns.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness said Saturday that Texas Brine Co. LLC's original permit for the cavern requires the operator to provide assistance to residents in areas deemed to be at immediate potential risk. The permit requirement arises in the event of a sinkhole and evacuation.

Residents near a large sinkhole that opened up in Assumption Parish are demanding answers and a plan of action from their state and local officials.

Officials told them Tuesday night at a community meeting in Pierre Part that they are doing their best to find an explanation for the 372-foot wide sinkhole that swallowed up bald cypress trees and evacuated dozens of people from their homes Friday.

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.