Multiple gas pockets hit around sinkhole, operation halted — Officials order ‘immediate action’ to assess risk — “New data indicates gas is in aquifer”

Published: September 14th, 2012 at 8:50 pm ET
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Title: 1:50 p.m. Sonic Rig Drilling Stopped
Source: Assumption Parish Police Jury
Date: Sept 14, 2012

The drilling performed by the sonic rig, on Dugas & LeBlanc property on the south side of LA-70, has been halted. We have been advised that gas was encountered at 90 feet. We have no additional details at this time. Parish officials and state agencies are currently at the site. We will advise further once information is available.

Title: Drilling on wells to begin at Assumption sinkhole
Source: The Courier
Author: Raymond Legendre
Date: Sept 13, 2012

[...]

Tests performed Thursday by the state Department of Natural Resources near the sinkhole foreshadowed the possible discovery of natural gas in the aquifer. Two of six sites tested 48 feet below the surface revealed “slight or low levels” of natural gas, Boudreaux said.

[...]

In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, officials observed gas bubbling in three locations fewer than four miles away from the sinkhole off La. 70.

[...]

Title: State orders search for natural gas in aquifer, caprock
Source: The Advocate
Author: David J. Mitchell
Date: September 14, 2012

Louisiana Office of Conservation Commissioner James Welsh on Friday ordered the seven companies operating on the Napoleonville Dome in Assumption Parish to determine if natural gas is contained in the groundwater and the salt dome caprock beneath them.

[...]

Welsh’s order follows three instances since Sept. 9 when drilling or boring work — near the sinkhole and at two sites between that sinkhole and the Bayou Corne community — encountered gas pressure when drillers pierced the aquifer’s upper level, a DNR spokesman said.

[...]

Gas also was found at one site in the salt dome caprock.

[...]

A contractor [...] hit a natural gas pocket Thursday at a depth of less than 50 feet [...]

Another DNR contractor [...] hit gas Friday at 90 feet [...]

The earliest instance involved work by Texas Brine [... it] hit gas at 120 feet, at the top of the aquifer, and again inside the salt dome caprock at 420 feet, DNR officials said.

DNR Statements:

  • “If there is gas in the aquifer, that is exactly what you’d expect. It’s going to be at the top.”
  • “This new data indicates the presence of natural gas in the aquifer and caprock near the existing salt dome operations, and the Office of Conservation is ordering immediate action to assess that risk and take actions where necessary.”

h/t Anonymous tips

Published: September 14th, 2012 at 8:50 pm ET
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