California has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles suburb following a leak of methane natural gas from a well at the Aliso Canyon near Porter Ranch.
The leakage that started on 23 October 2015 was from the Well SS 25 that belongs to Southern California Gas Company, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy.
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It occurred due to a breach in the 7in casing of the 8,750ft deep injection well, which also accesses the underground Aliso Canyon storage facility.
After drilling in 1953, the well was initially provided with a safety valve, which was removed in 1979 as it was old and leaking, but the removal did not require a replacement.
California Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed emergency at the request of residents and local officials due to the prolonged and continuing gas leakage.
The order declares details the ongoing efforts of the administration to help stop the leak and also directs further action to protect public health and safety.
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By GlobalDataIn December, the governor sent a letter to Southern California Gas CEO, stating that the company must speed-up its actions and that its response had been ‘insufficient’.
The proclamation will implement the key orders such as stopping the gas leak by taking all necessary actions and protecting public health and safety.
All agencies have been asked to use state personnel, equipment, and facilities to ensure a continuous state response to the leak.
The leak releases around 1,200t of methane every day. As well as methane, the gas that is released also contains mercaptan and methyl mercaptan that give the gas the rotten-egg smell.
Image: Equipment and machinery is seen on a ridge above the Well SS25 in Southern California Gas Company’s Aliso Canyon facility. Photo: courtesy of Scott L.
