City Leaders Call for Investigation of Gas Leak

City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Councilman Mitch Englander urged two state agencies today to investigate an ongoing gas leak near the Porter Ranch/Northridge/Chatsworth area that has prompted nearly 80 families to temporarily relocate.

Feuer and Englander sent letters to the California Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources asking the regulating agencies to investigate the causes and responses to the leak that started a month ago at Southern California Gas Co.’s Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility.

Residents have reported headaches, nose bleeds, dizziness and other symptoms following the link, according to county officials.

Englander said an “immediate investigation” is needed “due to the severity of the leak and the now-known short-term health effects as well as the lack of certainty with respect to when or even if a workable solution is imminent.

“With over 200 residents relocated and unable to enjoy Thanksgiving in their own homes, this situation is beyond intolerable,” he said.

Feuer said he and his office “stand ready to work with all state and local agencies to find a swift solution to this serious problem.”

SoCalGas and public health officials have said the leak of methane does not pose a threat because the gas dissipates outdoors and is coming from a site over a mile away from -- and more than 1,200 feet higher than -- homes or public areas.

However, “stopping the leak quickly and safely is our company’s top priority,” company spokeswoman Gillian Wright told the county Board of Supervisors earlier this week, adding that the utility was “deeply sorry” for the impact on the Porter Ranch community.

City News Service