The Latest: $120M settlement over Los Angeles gas leak
The Latest on a settlement in litigation over a leak at a Southern California gas storage facility (all times local):
9:55 a.m.
A nearly $120 million settlement has been reached in litigation stemming from a leak at a Southern California storage field where a massive methane release forced thousands from their homes three years ago.
Southern California Gas Co. said Wednesday that the settlement delivers on its commitment to the state following the October 2015 well leak at Aliso Canyon in Los Angeles.
The leak lasted nearly four months and prompted many health complaints. It was the largest single release of methane in U.S. history.
Under the settlement, SoCalGas will reimburse local, county and state governments for costs associated with the blowout. In addition the utility will establish a program with the California Air Resources Board to mitigate the methane emissions from the leak.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti will discuss the agreement at a 10 a.m. press conference.
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7:15 a.m.
A tentative settlement has been reached in litigation stemming from a leak at a Los Angeles storage field where a massive methane release forced thousands from their homes three years ago.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti are among the officials expected at a 10 a.m. Wednesday news conference announcing the agreement with Southern California Gas Co. No details about the settlement were immediately available.
An October 2015 well leak at Aliso Canyon lasted nearly four months and prompted many health complaints. It was the largest single release of methane in U.S. history.
Operations at the facility resumed in July 2017. SoCal Gas said it had met the state's safety requirements, and it needed to increase its inventory at the storage field to avoid an energy shortage.