Residents Take Gas Leak Complaints to County Supervisors

Gillian Wright, SoCal Gas vice president of customer services, and Jimmie Cho, senior vice president of gas operations and system integrity, answer questions from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on ther Aliso Canyon natural gas leak on November 24, 2015.

Representatives of the county’s fire, public health and planning departments are also expected to speak at the supervisors’ meeting.

Efforts to stop up the leak are ongoing, with gas company officials recently reporting they are working to drill a relief well, which might lead to more odors or noises. Since at least October 23, 2015, Plaintiff and the Porter Ranch community have been, and continue to be, physically invaded by gases, chemicals, noxious odors, pollutants, and contaminants emanating from the natural gas leak at Defendants’ Aliso Canyon facility, located at 12801 Tampa Avenue, Los Angeles, California. Southern California Gas has stated that it may take months before the leak can be sealed.

So far, the leak has stumped the gas company, a division of Sempra Energy, which has tried unsuccessfully to pour liquid into a leaking well that goes a mile and a half underground.

On Monday, dozens of residents participated in a rally demanding an investigation into the gas company’s handling of the leak.

The Los Angeles City Council has called for a similar hearing, but has not yet set a date.

In response, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has directed the gas company to expedite leak abatement and provide free, temporary relocation to affected residents.

Earlier this month, an oily mist was emitted into the air as crews worked to fix the leak, prompting warnings to residents to stay indoors. It was stopped about 2:45 p.m., he said.

The gas company is “deeply sorry” for the smell, inconvenience and frustration residents feel, said Gillian Wright, a vice president with the utility.

About 30 families in the area have been temporarily relocated because of the leak, officials said.

Public health officials said the wide-ranging symptoms are caused by a chemical added to odorless natural gas so it can be detected, but there are no long-term risks from exposure.