This update is the 30th article in this Opednews series about the Bayou Corne sinkhole.
BACKGROUND: In Spring of 2012, Louisiana's Corne and Grand Bayou residents noticed strange bubbling in the bayou for many weeks, and they reported smelling burnt diesel fuel and sulfur. Suddenly a sinkhole estimated to be the size of two or three football fields appeared on Aug. 3, swallowing scores of 100-foot tall cypress trees. The sinkhole resulted from the failure of Texas Brine Company's abandoned underground brine cavern. The Department of Natural Resources issued a Declaration of Emergency on Aug. 6, and 150 families were evacuated.
For maps, diagrams and additional information, please see previous installments in this series, listed at the end of this article.
On August 3, 2012, a sinkhole the size of three football fields (approximately 4 acres) appeared overnight in Louisiana's Bayou Corne, swallowing countless 100-foot tall cypress trees. It was the result of an industrial "accident." Four years later the 180-foot deep sinkhole has displaced scores of residents and engulfed 35 acres. And it hasn't stopped growing.
Victoria Greene is producing and directing a feature documentary film about the sinkhole and its wide-ranging effects, entitled, "Forgotten Bayou."
Victoria Greene and John shooting in the bayou
(Image by Photo courtesy Victoria Greene, used with permission) Details DMCA
The footage has been filmed, and Greene and her crew will be progressing to post-production activities including music, final sound editing, color, animation, graphics "and other finishing touches that will make this film amazing" as soon as their Kickstarter fundraising campaign is finished on Tue, July 26, 2016.
"Forgotten Bayou" trailer:
Greene has a 20-year background with Louisiana Public Broadcasting She notes, "Nearly four years later, the mandatory evacuation order remains in effect and to date, only a handful of families still live in Bayou Corne with the sinkhole as their new permanent neighbor. "
Abandoned property at Bayou Corne
(Image by Photo courtesy Victoria Greene, used with permission) Details DMCA
The documentary presents the story of a devastating industrial accident. Could it have been prevented with more industry regulation? Educating the citizenry is the first step in requiring responsible behavior from corporations.
Bayou Corne is located in Louisiana's Assumption Parish, about 60 miles from New Orleans and 40 miles from Baton Rouge.
At the time of this posting, the Kickstarter project has raised $13,300 of the $14,500 goal, with five days left to reach the goal. They must meet their goal in order to keep any of the funds.
Forgotten Bayou info: website, Facebook page.
Upcoming event, August 10:
Along with NOVAC, a non-profit and fiscal sponsor of Forgotten Bayou, Victoria is hosting an event commemorating the Sinkhole's 4 year anniversary. Tickets are $40 and available thru Kickstarter.
*Wednesday, August 10th 6-10pm
*Celtic Studios 10000 Celtic Drive, Baton Rouge
Includes food, live entertainment, silent auction and more. Plus screening of award winning "Monster in the Bayou" a 2016 short film directed by Victoria about the Sinkhole, along with other Louisiana short films.
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