Oil spill closes Bayou Lafourche; response crews on scene

Cleanup crews are on the Bayou Lafourche working to clear an oil spill.

The oil spill was discovered just before 8 a.m. Saturday.
Officials say the leak was coming from a storm water canal near the intersection of LA 308 and LA 182 in Raceland.

According to parish officials, the source of the spill has been identified as the Crescent Midstream Crude Oil Facility. Crescent Midstream, officials say, is following its approved incident response plan.

The source of the leak has been secured, and response crews have contained the oil.

Parish leaders say drinking water has not been impacted and that the water is still safe to drink. However, Lafourche Parish Water District No. 1 has issued a water conservation notice for all customers serviced by the district. Residents in the district are urged to refrain from non-essential water use until further notice.

The bayou is closed from the LA 182 bridge in Raceland to the Salt Water Control Structure in Lockport. Residents are also urged to stay away from the banks of the bayous where responders are working.