Crude oil spilled in Bayou Lafourche in Raceland

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RACELAND, La. (WGNO) — Crude oil has spilled into Bayou Lafourche in Raceland following a reported incident at the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility on Saturday.

According to information from the Lafourche Parish Unified Command, the spill was reported to emergency responders at 7:50 a.m. on July 27. After an initial investigation, it was determined that the spill was flowing into the bay through a storm drain near the intersection of Louisiana Highway 308 and Louisiana Highway 182 in Raceland.

The source of the spill is believed to be within the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility in Raceland. The facility is following the approved incident response plan. The source has been secured, the oil has been contained, and all appropriate authorities at all levels have been notified.

Emergency responders are working along and into Bayou Lafourche from the LA Highway 182 bridge. The press release asks that citizens not obstruct relief efforts from the banks of the bayou as workers attempt to gain access to the banks and address the spill.

The drinking water in the parish has reportedly not been affected and is still safe to drink. However, the Lafourche Parish Water District No. 1 has issued a water conservation advisory, asking the public to refrain from using non-essential water until further notice while cleanup crews continue to address the spill.

Citizens are immediately notified if the oil spill affects the water purification process.

The bayou is closed to mariners from the LA Highway 182 bridge in Raceland to the Salt Water Control Structure in Lockport.

The Unified Command, made up of federal, state, local and corporate officials, will release more information as needed.