EPA Responds to Congressman Sherman: Investigation Underway in Porter Ranch Gas Leak
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responded to a request from Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) that the federal agency take action regarding a gas leak at the Southern California Gas Co. storage facility in Aliso Canyon.
In a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy from December 10, 2015, Congressman Sherman urged the EPA to commence an investigation into the noxious gas leak responsible for sickening residents of the Porter Ranch neighborhood of Los Angeles, and to develop a plan to protect public health and require Southern California Gas Co. to implement that plan.
Responding to Congressman Sherman's letter of December 10, the EPA states that it sent an information request to Southern California Gas on December 18 and an investigation is currently under way. Additionally, the EPA has dispatched two on-scene coordinators to tour the site and is now participating in daily operational calls with state and local regulators "to stay abreast of developments in controlling the gas and assisting local residents."
"This leak has gone on far too long, and action needs to be taken," said Congressman Sherman. "This is about more than just a bad smell; there are serious health and environmental concerns. I'm pleased that the EPA has recognized the urgency of this issue, and I am hopeful that a plan can be worked out with SoCal Gas to put a stop to this leak. Next year, I will begin the effort to adopt stronger national standards for the safe storage and transmission of natural gas."
The EPA says it stands ready to help in any way pending the results of their investigation.
On Wednesday, Congressman Sherman will be receiving a briefing by David Bunn, State Director, California Department of Conservation and Al Walker, Senior Engineer, California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources. Congressman Sherman will also be meeting with experts from Southern California Gas Co.
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