Assumption Parish Residents Seek Sinkhole Buyouts

Frustrated Assumption Parish, La., residents displaced by a massive sinkhole that has swallowed 9 acres of land near their homes are asking lawmakers to assist them, in getting buyouts of their property.

People packing a Tuesday hearing of the Senate and House natural resources committees described 200 days of frustration since an August evacuation order of 150 homes.

The sinkhole opened up near a community along Bayou Corne, 40 miles south of Baton Rouge. Scientists say the sinkhole formed after the failure of an underground cavern in a salt dome owned by Texas Brine Co.

Bruce Martin, vice president of operations for Texas Brine, says the company expects to have the site fully contained by April. No buyouts have been offered.

Lawmakers will meet again about the sinkhole next month.