Livingston Parish approves plan to replace failing well casing, new well to be introduced to council

The Livingston Parish Planning Commission on April 7 approved a final site plan to replace a failing community water well after consultants told commissioners the existing well’s casing had collapsed and sand had infiltrated the system.

Sean Heimer, representing the Colegale Community Water Association, said the association plans to plug and abandon the existing well on South Satyuma Road and drill a new well about 20 feet away so it can use existing piping and distribution infrastructure. “The issue with the existing well wasn't with the water. It was with, like, the casing,” Heimer said, explaining the casing had fractured and sand clogged pumps and piping.

Commissioners asked whether drilling a new well would reach a different aquifer or materially change water quality. Heimer said the plan calls for new casing, pumps and piping; he added the original well is very deep (he cited about 1,950 feet) and investigators had concluded a new well was the best route forward. A commissioner noted that state regulatory approval is required for the well plan and must be in place for certain steps of the work.

A member of the public, Luke Landry, spoke in favor of the proposal, saying water in the area had been "substantial" and that neighbors would likely welcome improved service. A commission member said, “Anybody knows me knows one of my hot button issues is clean water for everybody south of the Interstate,” and expressed full support.

The commission voted to approve the final site plan; staff said the item will be introduced on the parish council agenda and that state agency sign‑off will be needed for drilling and permit compliance before some work proceeds.

Next steps: the water association and consultant must secure state regulatory approvals and follow up with parish staff to coordinate council introduction and any required permitting.