News Summary
An emergency has been declared in Sulphur, Louisiana, due to pressure complications observed in two underground caverns. These issues, particularly in Cavern 7, raise concerns of potential sinkholes and geological instability similar to past disasters. State officials are actively monitoring the situation, while precautionary measures are being implemented to stabilize the affected areas. A collaborative investigation aims to ensure safety and prevent catastrophic failures in the vital salt dome resource.
Sulphur, Louisiana – Emergency concerns are escalating as officials grapple with pressure problems detected in two underground caverns located in the Sulphur Mines salt dome. The issue has triggered a state emergency declaration, compelling immediate attention and intervention from local authorities and state regulators.
The pressure complications were first observed in Cavern 7. Contractors working for a Westlake Chemical subsidiary took precautionary measures by completing an earthen berm on August 18, 2025, intended to protect against potential cavern failures. This cavern has displayed early warning signs reminiscent of those leading to the Bayou Corne sinkhole disaster in 2012. Concurrently, methane gas bubbles have been reported at Salt Lake, a nearby water body, further raising alarms and linking these observations to Cavern 7’s pressure issues.
In addition to the problems at Cavern 7, a second subterranean chamber, Cavern 2-4-5, has also presented unexplained pressure drops since early August 2025. This cavern, which originally comprised three separate units merged in the 1950s, boasts a substantial capacity of over 26 million barrels. Both caverns are interconnected, and while Cavern 6 is associated with the network, it has not shown significant pressure drops like the others.
Pressure loss in underground caverns is a critical problem that could lead to severe consequences, including potential sinkholes similar to previous incidents in the region. The area, known for its mining and drilling operations since the 1860s, employs solution mining techniques that can exacerbate these issues. Ongoing investigation into the reasons for these pressure fluctuations includes assessments of the integrity of concrete or metal casing on the wells, which may play a role in the unstable conditions observed.
Further complicating the situation, additional symptoms linked to Cavern 7’s instability have been noted, including land subsidence, minor earthquakes, and oil seeps, all reported since 2021. These developments have led state officials to proceed with caution while actively monitoring and investigating the caverns’ conditions.
In response to the emergency declaration, officials have implemented measures to stabilize Cavern 7, including the continuous pumping of brine into the cavern to manage pressure levels. Given the current status, the region remains under a state of emergency as authorities closely monitor and respond to evolving concerns about the caverns.
The Sulphur Mines salt dome remains an essential resource for oil and gas extraction, but the potential for catastrophic failures raises serious safety and environmental concerns. As the investigation continues, the collaboration between Westlake Chemical and state regulators aims to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and to address the pressure issues effectively.
The situation serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with underground storage, especially in areas with a history of geological instability. While the immediate focus is on managing the current crises in Cavern 7 and Cavern 2-4-5, long-term solutions for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of the caverns will be paramount in averting future incidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Advocate: Louisiana Salt Dome Brine Emergency
- KPLC: Westlake Petrochemicals Emergency
- KPLC: Westlake Chemical Seeks Permit Changes
- Newsweek: Explosion at Westlake Chemical Plant
- Powder Bulk Solids: Tank Explodes at Westlake Chemical Plant
- Wikipedia: Salt Dome
- Google Search: Westlake Chemical Emergency
- Google Scholar: Westlake Chemical Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Salt Dome
- Google News: Westlake Chemical Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
