Los Angeles methane leak sickens local residents

The governor’s move, among other measures, directs efforts by California agencies in stopping the leak, and it orders emergency regulations for other gas-storage facilities throughout the state.

Each facility would also have to draft a risk management plan that would examine the corrosion potential of pipes and other safety threats.

Brown said in a statement he acted based on the requests of people in the community of Porter Ranch and the “prolonged and continuing” nature of the gas blowout at the underground storage facility. The escaping methane has been treated with an odorant and is allegedly causing headaches, nausea, rashes, and other health problems among local residents.

Brown met with residents on Monday and expressed concern about the health of people in Porter Ranch and demonstrated that he has been working on the problem, contrary to the complaints of some residents who say he has not been actively involved, said two of the four people who attended the meeting Monday.

The governor’s office said it had taken steps to coordinate the local, state and federal response to the leak, which at last count was releasing more than 30,300 kilograms of methane per hour, and stop it as soon as possible.

State law forbids landlords from raising rents more than 10 percent after the declaration of an emergency. Earlier this week, SoCal Gas installed mesh screens over the leak site to prevent an oily mist of gas and brine water that has started to emanate from the leak into the air.

According to their latest timetable, Southern California Gas Company aims to seal the leak by late February or late March. It is the simplest alkane and the main component of natural gas. “Now, Gov. Brown needs to shut the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility for good”. Methane is a known greenhouse gas and traps heat at a rate of 20 to 100 times greater than carbon dioxide.

In a statement, SoCalGas said they are and have been “willing and ready to cooperate” with state and local officials. The massive gas leak has been spewing into the air in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Porter Ranch since mid-October, sickening residents and forcing thousands to evacuate.

Porter Ranch resident Judy Kim holds a protest sign outside Los Angeles City Hall during a demonstra …

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also declared a state of emergency in December, under which similar restrictions on rent increases also take effect. The gas leak has already been termed an environmental disaster.

“The California Public Utilities Commission shall ensure that Southern California Gas Company cover costs related to the natural gas leak and its response, while protecting ratepayers”, his order states.