Daisetta Sinkhole Slowly Growing

DAISETTA, May 8, 2008 - Corporal Hugh Bishop of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office stated today that although the sinkhole grew during the overnight period little change had occurred since last night.

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Corporal Hugh Bishop LCSO and Thomas Branch Emergency Management Coordinator

The edge of the crater created by the sinkhole is now much closer to FM 770 than during the day on Wednesday. There were small cracks in the surface of the roadway from FM 770 to the edge of the sinkhole indicating ground movement. As you get closer to the edge of the sinkhole the cracks become wider. The cracks extend all the way up to FM 770.

Geologist Carl E. Norman PhD

Geologist Carl E. Norman PhD of Houston spoke at a press conference today in Daisetta and described the cause of the sinkhole as erosion of the salt dome beneath the hole. According to Norman, this could be caused by saltwater injection wells in the area or could be caused by the normal movement of fresh ground water beneath the surface.

Saltwater injections wells are regulated and permitted by the State of Texas.

Norman described the salt dome beneath the City of Daisetta as being 4 to 5 miles across at its’ widest point and this sinkhole was on the edge of the dome.

This sinkhole is unusual when compared to others that have occurred in Texas. This one is much larger than others largely due to the fact that the salt dome beneath the surface is much closer to the surface than in other locations where sinkholes have occurred.

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Today the bottom of the sinkhole has filled with dark, murky water, tanks, debris and fallen trees that fell into the hole as the ground gave way.

Emergency Officials will continue to monitor changes in the sinkhole for several days all throughout the day and night.