Overview
Lake Peigneur is a brackish lake located in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is situated approximately 1.2 miles north of Delcambre and 9.1 miles west of New Iberia, near the northernmost tip of Vermilion Bay. The lake holds the distinction of being the deepest lake in the state of Louisiana, with a maximum depth of 200 feet. The name "Peigneur" is derived from the French word "peigneur," which translates to "one who combs," reflecting the region's linguistic heritage and historical agricultural practices.
The lake's modern geography and hydrological profile were dramatically altered by a catastrophic industrial event on November 20, 1980. This incident involved a drilling error by an oil and gas company, which punctured a salt dome underlying the lakebed. The breach allowed the lake's brackish water to rush into the cavernous salt mine, creating a massive whirlpool that swallowed boats, oil rigs, and even a portion of the adjacent Lake Verret. This event remains one of the most notable geological and industrial accidents in the history of Louisiana's energy infrastructure.
Today, Lake Peigneur is an operational site within the energy sector. The primary fuel source associated with the area's energy activities is natural gas. The site is operated by AGL Resources, a key player in the regional energy landscape. The facility was commissioned in 1994, marking a significant phase in the post-disaster development and utilization of the lake's resources. The operational status of Lake Peigneur reflects the resilience and adaptive management of energy infrastructure in the Gulf Coast region, where subsurface geology and surface hydrology intersect.
The lake's transformation from a relatively shallow body of water to a deep, brackish reservoir has had lasting impacts on the local ecosystem and economy. The depth of 200 feet provides unique conditions for both energy extraction and aquatic life, although the brackish nature of the water presents specific challenges for management and utilization. The historical significance of the 1980 event continues to influence engineering practices and risk assessment protocols in the region, serving as a case study in the complexities of subsurface resource extraction.
Geography and Physical Characteristics
Lake Peigneur is a brackish water body located in the U.S. state of Louisiana, situated near the northernmost tip of Vermilion Bay. The lake is positioned 1.2 miles north of the town of Delcambre and approximately 9.1 miles (14.6 km) west of New Iberia. Its name is derived from the French word "peigneur," which translates to "one who combs."
The lake is distinguished by its significant depth, reaching a maximum of 200 feet. This makes Lake Peigneur the deepest lake in Louisiana. The brackish nature of the water indicates a mix of freshwater and saltwater, influenced by its proximity to Vermilion Bay and the surrounding coastal hydrology.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Louisiana, US |
| Distance from Delcambre | 1.2 miles north |
| Distance from New Iberia | 9.1 miles (14.6 km) west |
| Maximum Depth | 200 feet |
| Water Type | Brackish |
| Notable Feature | Deepest lake in Louisiana |
Significance
Lake Peigneur serves as a critical component of the natural gas infrastructure in the U.S. state of Louisiana, operating as a significant storage hub for the energy sector. Since its commissioning in 1994, the lake has been utilized by AGL Resources to store natural gas, leveraging the unique geological characteristics of the basin to enhance regional energy security and supply flexibility. This transformation from a natural brackish water body into a functional energy asset highlights the strategic importance of subsurface geology in modern energy infrastructure planning. The facility remains operational, continuing to play a vital role in the management of natural gas reserves in the Gulf Coast region.
Geological and Engineering Uniqueness
The significance of Lake Peigneur extends beyond its utility as a natural gas storage site; it is also a notable case study in geology and engineering within Louisiana. With a maximum depth of 200 feet, it stands as the deepest lake in Louisiana, a feature that contributes to its capacity and efficiency as a storage reservoir.
The engineering challenges and solutions associated with utilizing such a deep, brackish lake for natural gas storage provide valuable insights for energy infrastructure development. The integration of natural gas storage within a natural lake environment requires careful management of water levels, pressure dynamics, and geological stability. AGL Resources' operation of this site since 1994 demonstrates the long-term viability of such projects, offering a model for other regions considering similar infrastructure investments. The lake's unique depth and location near Vermilion Bay further underscore its strategic value in the broader energy landscape of the Gulf Coast.