Since the beginning of the natural gas leak near Porter Ranch on October 23, more than 83,000 metric tons of methane have been released into the atmosphere. Approximately 2,000 residents of Porter Ranch neighborhoods have been evacuated so far, but new analysis shows that that a much broader area is affected by this area than previously thought.
Boston University Professor Nathan Phillips and Bob Ackley of Gas Safety, both working on behalf of the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET), were recently send out to Los Angeles to measure levels of toxic air pollution in the area surrounding the site of the leak. Driving around the LA area with a laser gas analyzer, Phillips and Ackley were able to identify methane levels in the surrounding air with parts-per-billion accuracy. Their analysis revealed that methane levels were up to 67 times higher than average, unpolluted air, and that amounts of the invisible pollutant are elevated as far as eight miles from the site of the leak. Click here to view more on their findings.
As one of the largest natural gas leaks in history, this information should not come as a surprise. However, this data should hopefully push for SoCalGas to expand its evacuation area. Residents affected by the leak have so far reported symptoms including fatigue, nausea, dizziness, nosebleeds, and more.
Porter Ranch Gas Leak Lawyer
SoCalGas has made progress on slowing the rate of leakage as it scrambles to make repairs to the well, but a full repair is not estimated to be completed until late February to early March. SoCalGas has been criticized for its slow response to address aging gas infrastructure before a disaster of this magnitude occurred. Large and serious enough to be compared to the BP oil spill disaster, this massive methane leak could have been prevented if resident complaints had been investigated sooner.
If your family has been affected by the Porter Ranch gas leak there is no time to waste in contacting a Southern California civil litigation attorney at Schimmel & Parks, APLC. Our team of lawyers is prepared to help you seek the compensation you need for any losses related to the Aliso Canyon gas leak. With more than half a century of experience handling some of the most complex cases in Southern California, you can trust that our attorneys have what it takes to pursue maximum compensation.