California Governor Jerry Brown on Friday declared a state of emergency for the natural gas leak in a Los Angeles area, which was discovered on October 23. The well is operated by Southern California Gas Co, which has been trying to cap the leak, but unsuccessfully. Reuters reported that the company is trying to stem the methane leak by drilling a relief well to reach a damaged pipeline, then injecting fluids and heavy mud into it.
The gas leak has led to thousands of residents evacuating the area. The leak has been releasing more than 30,300 kg of methane per hour, and residents nearby complained of several ailments including nausea, nosebleeds, headaches, and respiratory irritation.
SoCalGas estimates that the leak might be capped only by late February or early March, but experts say it could take many months. It has accounted for a fourth of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions from methane. Los Angeles Councilman Mitchell Englander said this is “one of the most devastating environmental disasters in the history of California”, CNBC reported. Brown only toured the leak area earlier this week.
The gas company has spent more than $50 million trying to cap the leak, and over 25 lawsuits have been filed against it. Legal experts say the crisis could cost SoCalGas billions of dollars.
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