Seismic Activity Rose Near Louisiana Sinkhole

Assumption Parish officials say scientists have noticed a recent increase in seismic activity near the huge sinkhole at Bayou Corne, La., and worry that it might grow again.

Parish emergency preparedness director John Boudreaux tells The Advocate that the increase was first noticed about two weeks ago.

He says scientists noticed more than 80 such events on Friday, but activity dropped after the sinkhole “burped” crude oil, debris and hydrocarbon to the surface on Saturday morning.

Boudreaux says officials worry that something may be shifting in salt deposits just east of the failed Texas Brine cavern that scientists believe caused the sinkhole.

Company spokesman Sonny Cranch tells The Associated Press that company officials don’t know of any seismic activity since Saturday.