City Leaders Demand Answers About Month-Long Gas Leak

Los Angeles City Council members said today they want answers about a recent methane leak at a natural gas well in the Aliso Canyon storage field that sent potentially harmful fumes into and around the Porter Ranch area.

The council approved a motion by Councilman Mitch Englander requesting that Southern California Gas Company officials appear before the panel to answer questions about the leak.

Council aides said gas company officials have already agreed to the request, but no date has been set for when they will appear.

Englander said that while their office gets daily updates, more needs to be done.

“This situation has lasted nearly a month now, with no clear resolution in sight,” he said. “It is critical that the community be given the most current and accurate information about the leak from all the entities with jurisdiction.”

Englander’s motion also asks other agencies, including the Los Angeles County Health Department, the Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to appear at a future council meeting.

The leak at the Southern California Gas Company well was discovered Oct. 23 and reported to the county on Oct. 28. Efforts to stop up the leak are ongoing, with gas company officials recently reporting they are working to drill a relief well, which may lead to more odors or noises.

Gas company officials say it could take months to complete repairs and have offered to temporarily relocate neighbors affected by the fumes.

People in the area, including residents and school children, were also instructed last week to stay indoors for a few hours after a “fine mist” was released at the storage field.

While methane gas itself is not thought to be a health threat, additives to the gas such as mercaptan might lead to short-term neurological, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems if inhaled. Residents and others in the area have complained of nosebleeds, headaches, nausea and other issues, according to county health officials.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will also hold a public hearing Tuesday on the gas leak, featuring reports from the Departments of Public Health, Fire, Public Works, Regional Planning and the Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said.

Southern California Gas Company also has been asked to take part in next week’s hearing, he said.

City News Service