Many Attorney Billy Pickett looks over information related to the proposal for an oil and gas waste disposal well in this area. The potential for harmful waste to enter the drinking water supply could present a life-or-death risk.
Many Attorney John W. “Billy” Pickett has sounded the alarm. Folks in two areas of Sabine Parish had better wake up and inform themselves about the proposal to make disposal wells for oil and gas drilling waste brought in from other areas. The waste will be pumped into underground caverns. Probably unknown to most folks, one well has already been drilled.
There will be a public hearing Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. at Many City Hall. Anyone interested should attend. The Louisiana Office of Conservation, Injection & Mining Division, will conduct the hearing on the application of Aethon Energy Operating of Dallas for a permit to drill and complete a Class V Subsurface Stratigraphic Test Well in Section 28, Township 6 North Range 11 West in Sabine Parish to acquire geotechnical information. The well will be drilled to a depth of about 7,930 ft. below ground level with cores, fluid samples, pressure measurements and other applicable information to be collected. The base of the lowermost underground source of drinking water at this location is about 1,343 feet. Aethon has its eye on 84 square miles of property located west of Hwy. 171 including the Fisher and Negreet areas all the way to Toledo Bend Lake.
A copy of the Draft Permit, fact sheet or other information may be obtained by writing: Ben Gilder, Office of Conservation, Injection & Mining Division, Room 817 of the LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
The greatest concern is that the waste stored in these caverns will move and leak through cracks, get into drinking water and even be released into the atmosphere. The items stored will be under pressure.
The depth of the well is approximately 7,900 ft. Water wells in the area are at a maximum depth of 1,300 ft.
Attorney Pickett said the waste proposed to be stored includes carbon dioxide, carbon oxides, hydrogen sulfide and other fluids and substances including radon, which is a radioactive waste. The agreement states that the items pumped into the ground will be stored in perpetuity.
The storage rights agreement that Observations saw stated the company could operate geologic storage facilities in any underground stratum, including aquifers.
The agreement granted storage servitude on, over, under, through and across the surface and subsurface of the property. This includes logging, demolishing any improvements, rights to drill fresh water wells and construct pipelines. The company has the authority to construct storage infrastructure.
The second piece of land which is east of Hwy. 171 and south of Hwy. 6 is being operated by DTM Louisiana Gathering of Detroit, MI. On April 17, 2023, they submitted an application for a permit to drill a test well in Section 31, Township 6 North, Range 10 West. DTM was granted permission by the Department of Conservation to drill the well on Jan. 17, 2024 with all work as described in the application to be completed by Jan. 17, 2025. The area controlled by DTM contains 30 square miles.
“Geologists tell us the caverns are sealed,” Pickett pointed out. “There are monitor stations, and I asked the question, ‘What are you going to do if there is a leak?’ I never got an answer.”
He said there are over 1,000 oil wells in these two sections, mostly shallow and abandoned. But he said some are still producing. He continued that there are 13 orphan wells, 11 wells they can’t find and 21 active or shut-in, which means they are capable of producing. Most of these wells were drilled in the 1960s.
Attorney Pickett said he did not know how many people have signed to lease their land. He said if a person refuses to sign, then the state will put them in a “forced pool.” He concluded, “People need to be aware of this.”
He said putting this waste back in the ground is part of “the new green deal.” He said, “No more CO2 can be released in the air. There is saltwater and all kinds of carbon compounds pumped under pressure into these caverns. They claim that these pockets are sealed, but how do we know? The earth is continually moving.”
The attorney said, “Radon is a gas that is continually on the move. It is radioactive. In Colorado it is released by the depletion of uranium and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It can go to water and can get into houses and stay there. It can come through cracks in the earth and get into the water table.”
His conclusion, “To tell you the truth, it scares me to death.” It scares me, too.
This is a very detailed matter with a lot of technical and legal terminology. I have done my best to share it here so casual readers may grasp the seriousness of this issue.
If you live in or nearby the areas described, I earnestly urge you to learn all you can and make your wishes known. It could be your life depends on it.
Senator Alan Seabaugh, left, and Zwolle Councilman James Hubbard, right, show off a framed print of this year’s Zwolle Tamale Fiesta poster at the recent unveiling. The Senator was on hand to honor the late Dennis Hubbard, James' brother.
State Senator Alan Seabaugh has been in Sabine often of late, attending the recent Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Poster Unveiling to honor the late Dennis E. Hubbard, speaking to the Louisiana Loggers Association and meeting with constituents.
At the Sept. 12 poster unveiling, Senator Seabaugh presented highest commendation on behalf of the Louisiana Senate to honor Mr. Hubbard’s lifelong devotion to family, faith, career and community. Zwolle Councilman James Hubbard, his wife, Melody, and other members of the Hubbard family were on hand to accept the honor.
The commendation stated in part, “The legacy of Dennis E. Hubbard is a testament to his extraordinary life of service… He readily took on providing for his mother at age 18, he shared gifts of music and instruction with his church, led in Information Technology during his 42-year banking career, and faithfully served the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta for years as Treasurer. His loyalty, compassion, generosity, sense of humor, and loving heart will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Senator Seabaugh speaks to members of the Louisiana Loggers Association gathered at Toledo Bend Lake last week as wife Laura, lower left, and association members listen.
Senator Seabaugh, along with State Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, spoke to a meeting of the Louisiana Loggers Association in Many on Monday evening, Sept. 16. The pair outlined their hard work to combat the insurance crisis, among other issues.
“Logging and forestry have been a vital part of Louisiana’s economy for over 100 years. I take great honor in fighting to protect this important industry and its hardworking people,” Senator Seabaugh shared after speaking at the gathering.
The Logging Association also noted the Senator’s unyielding efforts to rein in insurance rates and provide incentives for them to start tracking downward.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry recently named Senator Alan Seabaugh, District 31, among their “Senate All-Stars” for his strong legislative support of both small and large Louisiana businesses.
In addition, as Observations was published online Tuesday evening, the Senator was being awarded by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) for his outstanding work supporting Louisiana’s large and small businesses. The group named Senator Seabaugh among their “Senate All-Stars” and presented him an award for his dedication to Louisiana's economic success.
Judge Jimmy Genovese, center left, the new President of Northwestern State University, was guest speaker at the Vultures luncheon in Many Tuesday, Sept. 17. He is very excited about his plans for the improvement of NSU. Accompanying him was Drake Owens, left, Vice-President for External Affairs. Joe Salter of Florien and Baton Rouge, is shown center right, and Pete Abington is pictured at right. Joe is a former State Representative and a member of the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System.
WE GET LETTERS. It's always a pleasure to hear from our longtime friend and faithful Observations reader, Dr. Ronald Byrd of South Boston, VA. His latest note follows.
"Robert, I loved your tales in the latest Observations about how journalism used to be, but I'd really like to read an essay by you about today's 'journalism.' I used quotation marks because I'm not sure it even exists anymore. Be seeing you in mid to late October. I'll tell you then about playing disc golf with Sasquatch. Ronny"
Zoe Aguillard, left, and President Donald J. Trump
Zoe Aguillard, granddaughter of Don and Beth Scaife of Many is pictured above with President Donald Trump in his office at the White House during the period he served from 2017-21.
Her career in politics began with an internship for Sen. David Vitter’s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign. This experience ignited her passion for politics, and she moved to Washington, DC. There she became staff assistant to Sen. Vitter in 2016.
In addition, she worked as a scheduler for Sen. Bill Cassidy, which led to her becoming his Director of Scheduling, overseeing meeting requests and strategic planning. After seven years of hard work, she stepped aside from Sen. Cassidy’s office with the impressive role of Deputy Chief of Staff.
Now she works in Baton Rouge as Vice-President of Government Relations for Bold Strategies. Her role includes relationships with legislators and clients, as well as spearheading impactful government outreach.
Marthaville Good Ole Days is almost here! It all happens this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28, in downtown Marthaville.
We got to see an advance copy of the festival program book, and it looks like this year’s 32nd Anniversary event will be the granddaddy of them all. In addition to the “Good Ole Days World-Famous Country Parade” slated for 10 a.m. Saturday morning, performing this year will be none other than The Amazing Rhythm Disciples at "Gospel in the Park" on Friday night, then on the big "Nashville Country Music Show" Saturday night, Lucas Jagneaux and the Roadshow will perform.
The Friday and Saturday schedules are as follows:
Leading Saturday’s big parade will be 2024 Grand Marshal Mr. Arden Settle accompanied by his lovely wife, Ms. Billie Sue. Of course, lots of vintage cars, ATVs, horseback riders, elected officials, beauty queens and many more will take part in the parade, so there are sure to be lots of fun throws to catch, and it will be wonderful entertainment.
Don't miss Marthaville Good Ole Days Festival! It's going to be a great time!
Memorizing pothole locations on State Highways is a survival skill in Louisiana.
Remember the Five Ps
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
Kenny and Diane Dew Carter have moved from Many after serving faithfully and honorably for 34 years at the Church of God of Prophecy. In addition, Kenny was employed at the Sabine Medical Center. The couple has moved to Monroe, and we will miss them. We wish them God’s very best as they settle into their new surroundings. The Carters are shown here with their daughter, DeAnna Carter Morrow.
Judge Cade R. Cole
Judge Cade R. Cole of Lake Charles who is running for a seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court was a recent visitor to Observations. The election is March 29 of next year.
He was graduated from DeQuincy High School and Tulane University School of Law, serving as Law Clerk for Justice Jeannette Knoll at the Supreme Court before entering private practice in Lake Charles.
Judge Cole has served as an Assistant District Attorney, City Attorney for Sulphur and Vinton and as DeQuincy City Magistrate.
Gov. Mike Foster appointed him to the Louisiana Service Commission and Gov. Bobby Jindal appointed him to the Board of Tax Appeals.
He has served as the state’s first state and local Tax Judge, presiding over billions of dollars of complex disputes.
Judge Cole was Louisiana College Republican Chair and previously represented District 11 on the Calcasieu Republican PEC. He is a past member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s Committee on Social Concerns.
He commented that a vote for him is the opportunity to move the Court in a more conservative direction. He has been endorsed by Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, District Attorney Don Burkett, Many Mayor Robert Hable and State Sen. Alan Seabaugh.
Mary Mills of Grapevine, TX, daughter of Donna Montgomery of Noble, got to meet actor Luke Wilson at the Saturday, Aug. 31, Texas Rangers baseball game. Wilson is a native of Dallas. His movie appearances include Bottle Rocket, Blue Streak, My Dog Skip, Legally Blonde, Old School and others. Luke’s brother, Owen Wilson, is also an actor.
The Town of Many is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Fall Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Many Square and on Main Street. This beloved event promises to be a day centered around children, making it a time the whole family will enjoy.
All can look forward to a lively atmosphere as kids enjoy classic carnival games with chances to win lots of prizes. There will be arts and crafts, painting with Shanna, a jump house, face painting, cotton candy, a cake walk and food trucks.
This event is free to the community, and the entire parish is invited. The Events in Many Committee has decided to keep this specific event free for families and will only be accepting Food Vendors, no Sales and Merchandise Vendors will be accepted at this time.
This year, Community Bank of Louisiana has partnered with the Many Fall Fest to host a Chili Cook Off benefitting the Pink Sisters of Sabine breast cancer patient support group. Tickets to taste are $5 and can be purchased at the event or beforehand from any Pink Sister.
Teams interested in entering the Chili Cook Off may register before Oct. 16 at Community Bank in Many or at Many City Hall.
The Town of Many is extending an invitation to local businesses, churches, civic organizations, clubs and more to be part of this event. All are encouraged to host a booth with their own carnival game and prizes at the festival, offering a unique opportunity to showcase themselves while engaging with the community. Those interested in reserving booth space may contact Lauren Gentry at eventsinmany@gmail.com or (318) 581-0631.
If you are unable to host a booth but wish to support this event, cake donations for the cake walk will be accepted at Many City Hall the week of the event.
Come celebrate the season with the Town of Many at the Many Fall Festival – where laughter, fun and community spirit come together!
For more information, visit Events in Many on Facebook or contact Lauren Gentry as noted above.
Police Chief Cheryl Wooley, second from right, gathered with SPARK students, James Wagley of Sabine Prevention Alliance, Suzanne Williams of the Town of Many and others to celebrate the good behavior of selected students with a fun fall caramel apple activity.
Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley has been staying mighty busy. She recently helped host two events – a reward activity for SPARK students displaying outstanding behavior, as well as last Saturday’s Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk held in downtown Many.
Thirteen SPARK students were recognized for outstanding, positive behavior in September. The group celebrated with a fun fall gathering to make caramel apples. Chief Wooley, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Many who helped sponsor the event, supplied refreshments. Other groups helping sponsor the event were the Sabine Prevention Alliance and Town of Many.
“Together we improve the world one child and one community at a time,” Kiwanis Club President and SPARK Principal Kelly Dye noted. She commended the good behavior of the students taking part, noting, “You are all awesome right down to the CORE!”
Shown after Saturday’s “Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk” are, from left, organizer Lauren Gentry, Sabine Coroner Mark Holder, Many PD Chief Cheryl Wooley and Asst. Chief Mason Wiley.
Chief Wooley and the Many Police Dept. also helped sponsor the First Annual Suicide Prevention Walk held Saturday morning, Sept. 21, which turned out to be a great event and well-attended.
Chief Wooley commented, “Our community came together for a powerful cause. It was a day of unity, reflection and hope as we honored the lives of those we’ve lost and showed support for those still fighting. By raising awareness, we can help break the silence around mental health and remind each other that no one has to walk this journey alone. Together we can make a difference,” she said.
Some three to four dozen people gathered for the walk, listening to organizer Lauren Gentry and Pastor Matthew Pagels speak at the Sabine Courthouse. Afterward, attendees walked several blocks of Main Street and San Antonio Avenue, ending at the Project Celebration building where the Many PD, Sabine Prevention Alliance and Out of the Darkness Movement all had information tents with gifts, snacks and giveaways.
Mr. Allen Walker made us proud at the Youth Hunter Education Challenge held in North Arkansas recently. He placed 1st in Junior Shotgun among event competitors from nine different states.
Early last month a young friend of ours won an important competition, and we want to take this opportunity to offer him a hearty “Congratulations!”
Mr. Allen Walker, son of Sabine Chief Deputy Brad Walker and wife Laura, was part of Louisiana’s MASH team who took part in the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) in Bentonville, AR last month. MASH stands for “Marksmen, Aim, Shoot, Hit,” and that’s exactly what Allen and his teammates did to have an outstanding performance.
Allen placed 1st in Junior Shotgun, 3rd in Junior Archery, and 4th in Junior Overall.
MASH and another Louisiana team, the Bayou Bandits, dominated the event, taking the top overall spots in both the Junior and Senior divisions, which included competitors from Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming.
We are proud of you and your teammates, Allen! Keep up the good work.
Wouldn't it be a blessing to see this phrase on the Sabine Parish Courthouse and Many City Hall?
Inaugural El Camino Real Day Set
In conjunction with partners across the trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association (ElCaT) will be hosting its inaugural El Camino Real Day (ECRD) on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The inaugural ECRD is intended to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Camino Real being designated as a National Historic Trail (NHT) by the U.S. Congress on October 18. As an NHT, El Camino Real is part of an elite group of trails that make up the National Trails System. The system was established in 1968 and signed into law by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to create a network of trails considered nationally significant to the American people. In the case of El Camino Real de los Tejas, it is because it is the road that led to the founding of Texas and Louisiana.
The Caddo Region of the Trail will celebrate ECRD at sites along the trail all the way from the Nacogdoches, TX to Natchitoches, LA. Events will vary from site to site and will consist of activities such as crafts and food demonstrations, presentations, walks along the historic route of the trail, and more.
Steven Gonzales, executive director of ElCaT states, “El Camino Real Day is the first time that sites across the trail will collectively be celebrating the Camino and what it means to our states and citizens. It is a great way for people to see and explore the trail, in numerous ways, and to learn about its role in these places that we cherish!”
Participating Sites in the Caddo Region: Fort Jesup State Historic Site in Many, LA; Adai Caddo Indian Nation Cultural Center in Robeline, LA; Oakland Plantation in Natchez, LA; Los Adaes State Historic Site in Robeline, LA; Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site in Natchitoches, LA; The Durst Taylor House in Nacogdoches, TX; The Stone Fort Museum in Nacogdoches, TX; The Caddo Mounds Historic Site in Cherokee County, TX.
Interested parties are encouraged to visit https://toledobendlakecountry.com/event/el-camino-real-day to learn about an event near them.
The NHT is administered by the National Park Service in conjunction with numerous partners across the trail.
ElCaT is the official nonprofit 501(c)(3) partner of the NPS and ElCaT seeks to protect the historic integrity of the trail, to educate the public about its significance, and to promote resource development, interpretation, and tourism along its path.
Additional Trail Information: National Park Service: www.nps.gov/elte
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association: www.elcaminotrail.org
(Special thanks to Marketing Director Kelsi Horn, Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, for the above article.)
ANTIQUE ORGAN FOR SALE
This antique organ, circa 1895, is for sale. It the "Sweet Home" model made by Cornish Piano and Organ Company in Washington, NJ. It is constructed of hand-finished, solid black walnut, is in good condition, and all 122 orchestral keys and 12 stops still work. Above the sheet music "desk" is a beautiful beveled French plate mirror. It is a lovely piece of musical history that still plays. Delivery available. If interested, please call (318) 332-8653.
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