News Summary
An oil spill in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana, has released approximately 14,000 gallons of crude oil after the collapse of an oil storage tank at Hilcorp Energy’s platform. The incident has prompted urgent health warnings and lawsuits from local shrimpers and seafood businesses, directly impacting over 2,300 individuals in the fishing industry. The Louisiana Department of Health advises against recreational activities in the area, while cleanup efforts are underway. Hilcorp Energy claims that safety measures were activated and asserts the seafood is safe for consumption.
Thibodaux, Louisiana – A significant oil spill has occurred in Terrebonne Bay following the collapse of an oil storage tank at Hilcorp Energy’s Caillou Island oil platform on Monday, August 8, 2022. This incident resulted in the release of approximately 14,000 gallons of crude oil into the waters, prompting urgent warnings from health officials and legal action from local shrimpers and seafood businesses.
In response to the spill, the Louisiana Department of Health issued a warning on Wednesday, August 10, advising the public to stay away from the affected area and to avoid consuming any fish that may be contaminated with the oil. As a precautionary measure, around 33 square miles of Terrebonne Bay have been closed to oyster harvesting, posing a significant economic impact on local fisheries.
Affected individuals include over 2,300 shrimpers, boat owners, and seafood businesses from the Gulf Coast, who have banded together to file a lawsuit against Hilcorp Energy and another associated company. The lawsuit, which is currently pending in federal court in Houston, alleges that damages occurred during an oil transfer operation conducted by WCC, leading to the structural failure of the tank. Plaintiffs also argue that Hilcorp failed to properly inspect the storage tank, contributing to the incident. Of the plaintiffs, around 200 are residents of Louisiana, directly implicating local communities in the fallout from the spill.
The spill has raised significant concerns, particularly as it coincided with the opening day of shrimping season, a critical time for local fishermen. Reports indicate that the oil slick has drifted toward Lake Pelto, a noted fishing area, threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on the shrimping industry. Local voices, including seafood business owners, have expressed frustration over the spill’s negative effects, citing confusion among fishermen regarding safety and fishery health.
Hilcorp Energy has stated that the platforms’ automated systems successfully shut down upon detection of the spill. Following the incident, Hilcorp notified local, state, and federal authorities of the situation. Furthermore, the company has hired a third-party laboratory to test shrimp in the surrounding area, asserting that the seafood has been confirmed safe for human consumption.
The legal action brought against Hilcorp seeks compensation for damages including lost profits, damage to fishing gear and boats, and the restoration of impacted fishing areas. As of August 10, 2022, no injuries related to the spill have been reported; however, the environmental ramifications of the incident are still being assessed. Cleanup efforts involve the U.S. Coast Guard and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, which are actively deploying containment booms and skimming vessels to mitigate the spread of the oil.
This incident is part of a broader context of environmental concerns tied to Hilcorp Energy, which has faced scrutiny and legal repercussions for past environmental issues. Notably, the company reported over a dozen spills following Hurricane Ida in 2021 and previously settled for $920,000 due to unauthorized dredging that impacted oyster reefs in 2016.
The Louisiana Department of Health continues to advise residents to exercise caution while engaging in recreational activities in Terrebonne Bay and Lake Pelto, as investigations into the causes of the tank’s collapse remain ongoing. Local authorities are working to ensure the safety of seafood and the sustainability of the fisheries impacted by this unfortunate incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Gulf Coast Shrimpers Sue Hilcorp Over Oil Spill
- Wikipedia: Environmental Impact of Oil Spills
- WAFB: LDH Issues Public Health Notice After Oil Spill
- Google Search: Terrebonne Bay Oil Spill
- NOLA: 14,000 Gallons Of Crude Oil Spill Into Terrebonne Bay
- Google Scholar: Oil Spill Terrebonne Bay
- WWLTV: Health Notice After Oil Spill in Terrebonne Bay
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oil Spill
- WDSU: Terrebonne Bay Oil Spill
- Google News: Louisiana Oil Spill
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.
