Environmental hazards could end up causing many of Louisiana’s small towns and villages to effectively disappear due to the state losing an average of 17 square miles per year to the sea. Scientists report that the main factors causing entire towns to turn into open water and the loss of wetlands is the sea-level rise, the sinking of the delta, and ongoing damage from oil drilling and hurricanes. In addition, previous damage from clear-cut logging, oyster dredging, gas pipelines, and urban development—as well as Hurricane Katrina, specifically—caused the area to become particularly vulnerable to these new threats.
According to scientists, a hurricane that landed a century ago would have been barred by the existence of cypress forests, marshes, and barrier islands, but the same one today would reach and flood New Orleans.
With this damage falls the cultural fabric of the area and its lighthouses, bridges, roads—even schools and entire towns.
While many worry about the detrimental health effects that man-made environmental destruction can have, some do not realize that any damage done to humans and their health can correlate to damage done to their land and livelihoods. Many coastal communities are watching these disappear right in front of them at an incredibly fast rate. In fact, Louisiana is losing the equivalent of a football field every hour.
Damage Caused By Oil And Gas?
While the state does have a plan to save its rapidly disappearing coastline, it is expected to cost around $50 billion to implement, and some believe that those companies responsible for the damage should foot the bill.
A study done in 2006 by the U.S. Geological Survey and Gas Research Institute found that the activity of oil and gas companies in the area has directly caused around 36 percent of the wetland loss, leading to a historic lawsuit against close to 100 oil, gas and pipeline companies, brought by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Board, demanding that they restore some of the damage that they have done to the wetlands. Some of the companies being sued include BP, Exxon, and Chevron, amongst others.
Seventeen local parishes have also filed their own lawsuit against the relevant oil and gas companies, arguing that they have been harmed and need funding to meet the needs of desperate coastal communities, specifically. They are challenged by Louisiana’s governor, senator, and legislature, who have attempted to pass legislation to halt both of the lawsuits. Some have also reported that they, as individuals, have faced retaliation from key industry players, who have made public statements threatening to pull jobs and funding from the state in response.
Harrell & Nowak
If you have experienced any personal injuries or property damage due to environmental hazards, you may have cause to bring action. Having spent years litigating against these bad actors and negligent parties, the attorneys of Harrell & Nowak can be your environmental hazards lawyer in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and other areas throughout Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation so that we can discuss how to ensure you are protected.