After more than two years, the mandatory evacuation order for people living near an Assumption Parish sinkhole has eased for some in the area. WBRZ-TV reports the parish police jury announced today that an area east of Grand Bayou along Highway 70 has been re-designated to a voluntary evacuation zone, rather than a mandatory one.
The evacuation was ordered in August 2012 after a sinkhole opened over a salt dome. Gas and oil escaped to the surface and Texas Brine, which leased the salt dome, worked to contain the area.
Many residents later agreed with Texas Brine to cover the decline in the value of their homes and property. Others joined a class-action lawsuit, which was later settled for $48.1 million. Several other lawsuits are still to be decided.
