Safety Measures Ordered After Gas Released From Old Oil Well

MARINA DEL REY, CA – The California Department of Conservation's Division of Gas and Geothermal Resources announced Friday it has imposed controls to minimize future natural gas releases at a vintage oil well in Marina del Rey after uncontrolled releases were reported at the site.

The release occurred last week as the well "was being brought into compliance with current standards at a construction site," according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

"The order places significant controls to minimize the risk of a future natural gas release as the project moves forward," according to a public health department statement.

County health officials have recommended that the Division of Gas and Geothermal Resources develop a community health and safety plan to ensure the public is aware of the construction and mitigation activities and detail the safety precautions being taken.

The plan should also include the "monitoring of chemical emissions at the site, the method to notify the community of any significant developments, and strategies to address any concerns from the public."

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock