NEW ORLEANS — A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Third Coast Infrastructure LLC and Main Pass Oil Gathering Company alleging negligence that caused an oil spill.
On Nov. 16, a significant crude oil release occurred in the Gulf of Mexico from the MPOG pipeline system near the Main Pass of the Mississippi River delta, threatening shipping, fishing and the ecosystems of Plaquemines Parish coastal wetlands, according to a complaint filed Nov. 22 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The plaintiffs — Sharkco Seafood International, KEB LLC, Bruce Drury and Kevin Drury — all claim Third Coast is operated by MPOG and the pipeline system transports over 80,000 barrels of oil daily from offshore wells to Louisiana's coastal communities.
The release endangered the property, livelihoods and lifestyle of the plaintiffs and others in Plaquemines Parish and nearby Louisiana coastal areas.
Third Coast's new pipeline, part of a 67-mile system, was placed into service on Aug. 20. On Nov. 16, 2023, the leak was reported 19 miles east of Main Pass, causing a slick 3-4 miles wide.
By Nov. 21, an estimated 1.1 million gallons of crude oil had been released, causing immediate and imminent harm to Southern Louisiana's coastal communities.
The oil has spread rapidly, threatening the shoreline, pristine wetlands, marine life, oyster farms, fish and aviary habitats, according to the suit.
The plaintiffs claim the spill has forced the closure of fishing grounds, impacting commercial fishing operations and requiring resources to divert operations to unaffected waters. The ongoing damage includes contamination of private properties on the coast as the crude oil continues to reach the shore.
The plaintiffs are seeking class certification and damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are represented by Charles J. Ballay of Ballay Braud & Colon in Belle Chasse; and A.M. Clayton and D'Ann Penner of the Law Offices of A.M. "Tony" Clayton in Port Allen.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number: 2:23-cv-07036