Placid Oil Company; Catahoula Lake, Alexandria, Louisiana

Catahoula Lake, Alexandria, Louisiana | 1989-May-25

Initial Notification: At 0830 on May 24, 1989, an oil slick was observed on Catahoula Lake, Louisiana, emanating from a central location near Mosquito Point, perhaps from leaking or broken oil collection lines leading from wells operating in the area. Catahoula Lake, 10 miles long by 3-1/2 miles wide, is about 20 miles northeast of Alexandria, Louisiana. The lake is one of the State's more significant inland recreational resources and is the site of a national wildlife refuge. Freshwater commercial fishing, oil production, sportfishing, and wildlife studies are some of the more notable activities associated with the lake. Early on May 25, the slick was estimated at 15-20 barrels by the State, and covered an area measuring 5-1/2 miles long by one mile wide. The oil was moving toward the Catahoula Wildlife Refuge and Bird Island on the northeast end of the lake. Lake waters were 12-13 feet above normal due to heavy spring rains and already flooding wading bird nesting areas and vegetation. Exxon Oil Company, owner/operator of some of the production facilities in the lake, was attempting unsuccessfully to contain the oil. They also reported that their collection lines had just been pressure-checked and were not leaking any product. USCG district 8.