As oil is developed from the ground, four things come to the surface: oil, gas, gasoline, and brine (a saltwater solution). Brine is contaminated with chlorides, and just a small amount has the power to poison thousands of gallons of freshwater. The process used to clean up brine is costly and time-consuming. Oil companies often cut corners at the expense of the land and those individuals who will be affected by the brine. They often try to dispose of the water through underground injections, pumping the brine back deep into the earth. The injections often travel through freshwater layers, though, and each time there is the possibility the pumping will infect the freshwater.
The saltwater brine is toxic to fields, animals, and humans. It can cause widespread devastation of land. Oil companies not only are aware of this but also understand that their cheap and lazy methods of disposal will inevitably lead to freshwater and soil contamination. Better methods of disposal are available to these companies, but they continue to use cheap and dangerous means with no regard for the impact they will have.
Now, the state is littered with abandoned pits that have never been properly cleaned up or closed. These pits are causing widespread contamination, which has been a major part of the landowners’ environmental law claims for property damage.
Dedicated Louisiana Soil Pollution Attorneys
At Veron Bice, LLC, our Louisiana soil contamination attorneys are committed to providing individualized and sophisticated representation to residents and landowners who face damages to their land as a result of oil and gas companies’ negligence. The irresponsible actions of these corporations have wreaked havoc on land throughout the state, and we hold them accountable for open disregard for the well-being of the land and its owners.
Contact Our Environmental Law Firm To Learn More
Our lawyers provide each client with a free initial consultation to fully understand the nature of the damage that has been done to his or her land. To arrange a meeting, please contact our law firm today at 337-310-1600.
