The Coast Guard is overseeing the response to a natural gas and crude oil discharge from an abandoned wellhead owned by Hilcorp Energy near mile marker 10 on the Lower Mississippi River, southwest of Venice.
At least 840 gallons of oil apparently leaked into the river. Hilcorp reported that the source of oil was secured at approximately 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Boom and skimming vessels are being used to reduce the spread of oil and collect oil from the water’s surface. It doesn't appear that any wildlife have been affected.
The cause of the leak is under investigation.