1/21: Why have state regulators not taken action against aging gas wells?
January 21, 2016Why have state regulators not taken action against aging gas wells?
Federal and state lawmakers pressed utility regulators at a hearing Thursday night on why the aging natural gas wells at the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility were allowed to operate for so long, even after there was knowledge that the infrastructure was aged and, in some cases, corroded. Find out their answer here.
A massive natural gas leak that has driven thousands of Los Angeles residents from their homes had been out of control for more than a month when the county’s acting health director said in November that long-term impacts of the cancer-causing chemical benzene should be measured. Read more about Benzene here.
Cancer-Causing Benzene Becomes Focus of Gas Leak Air Sampling
Amid questions about long-term exposure levels to potentially dangerous chemicals, public health officials Wednesday called for more sampling and testing of air in Porter Ranch near a leaking gas storage well. Since the leak was first reported in October, hundreds of residents have complained of a noxious odor, and also of health symptoms including headaches, nausea, burning eyes, and respiratory discomfort. Find out what’s being done here.
A MAP OF METHANE LEVELS NEAR THE MASSIVE GAS LEAK IN L.A.
It’s been three months since Southern California Gas Co. first reported a massive leak in its Aliso Canyon gas field, on the edge of Los Angeles, and the faulty well is still pouring methane into the air. If you look at the map above, of Porter Ranch, the neighborhood where thousands of people have been displaced, and of methane levels measured in the area, you can roughly guess where the leak is. See the map here.
Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility critical to region
Southern California Gas Co.’s Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility outside Los Angeles is a critical backbone of our regional energy supply network and has been for more than four decades. As California’s largest natural gas supply reservoir, it provides the fuel for many of the region’s largest power plants and for heating and cooking at our homes and businesses. Read more about the importance here.
No end in sight for victims of SoCal gas leak
The trouble in the Katz household started a few months ago, when 2-year-old Ava got sick and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for respiratory issues. Around the same time, Christine Katz, 41 and a full-time mom, started having dizzy spells and feeling lethargic, and the other four Katz kids were experiencing nausea and nose bleeds. Read their story here.
Special Report: Will The Leak At Porter Ranch & PUC-Gate Ruin Brown’s Legacy?
Does Jerry Brown see that the stink from the growing natural gas leak in Aliso Canyon and other utility scandals could also be the cloud that tarnishes his legacy after four terms of having voters’ favor? Read part one of this piece here.
Nonprofit makes $5M in loans available to Porter Ranch businesses
A nonprofit organization is making $5 million in loans and other financial assistance available to businesses affected by the ongoing natural gas leak near Porter Ranch and resulting exodus of residents, Councilman Mitch Englander said Wednesday. Find out who is eligible here.
Methane leak debacle needs a broad investigation
The massive natural gas leak at an 8,500-foot-deep well in Southern California Gas Company’s huge Aliso Canyon storage facility just outside Los Angeles’ northern city limits is far more than an “unfortunate incident.” That’s how it is characterized on in an op-ed written for the Union-Tribune this week by a senior vice president of the company, which is owned by San Diego-based Sempra Energy.The leak, which was discovered Oct. 23, is both a disaster and a debacle. Read more here.
California Gas Leak Boosts Obama Move to Curb Methane Emissions
A massive natural gas leak in southern California that has forced thousands of residents from their homes is giving momentum to the Obama administration’s plan to clamp down on methane emissions from oil and natural gas wells. Read about the President’s plan here.
Los Angeles Suburb Still Suffering From Gas Leak [Video]
More than three months have gone by and natural gas is still leaking at Aliso Canyon, affecting the Porter Ranch neighborhood of Los Angeles… California State Senator Fran Pavley, who represents Porter Ranch community, joins Here & Now‘s Robin Young to discuss the new legislation she has introduced, which calls for no more injections of natural gas into the storage facilities. Watch the video here.
