GRETNA – The holders of Jefferson Parish oyster bed leases are suing an energy company that was building a pipeline in the area of their leases that they claim damaged their oyster beds.
Carolyn K. Falgout and Westside Oyster Farms Inc. filed suit against Swift Energy Operating LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 3.
Falgout claims she and Westside Oyster Farms Inc. holds 10 oyster leases in Bayou Cholas and Bayou Defond in Jefferson Parish. The plaintiffs allege that the leases allowed them to cultivate the leases for oyster bedding. Falgout asserts Swift Energy Operating was involved in placing barges and pipelines near their leases and conducted dredging, wheelwashing, jetting and construction in the area of their leases that damaged the oyster beds below.
The defendant is accused of negligence and damage and destruction of oyster leases.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for restoration and replacement costs of natural resources, property damage and emotional damage.
Falgout is represented by V. Jacob Garbin and the Law Office of William S. Vincent Jr.
The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.
Case no. 730-674.