On October 23, 2015, a massive natural gas leak erupted from the Aliso Canyon Gas Storage Facility in Porter Ranch, a community in the northern San Fernando Valley. For 118 days, approximately 100,000 tons of methane and other gases poured into the atmosphere, sickening thousands of residents and forcing mass evacuations. It was the largest natural gas leak in United States history, and its effects are still being felt by the community today.

What Happened

The leak originated from well SS-25 at the SoCalGas-operated Aliso Canyon facility. The aging infrastructure—the well casing had been in service for decades—failed, releasing an uncontrollable flow of natural gas mixed with mercaptans, benzene, and other chemicals. The gas cloud spread across Porter Ranch and neighboring communities, filling homes with a noxious odor and exposing residents to hazardous substances for nearly four months before the well was finally sealed in February 2016.

Schools were closed. Thousands of families requested temporary relocation. Residents reported oily mists settling on their properties and foul smells permeating their homes even with windows closed. The environmental and health impacts extended far beyond the visible gas plume.

Health Effects on Residents

Residents exposed to the Aliso Canyon gas leak reported severe nausea and headaches, bloody noses, chronic coughing and respiratory irritation, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and worsening of pre-existing health conditions including asthma and respiratory disease. Research has also found that pregnant women living within six miles of the leak had a nearly 50 percent higher-than-expected rate of low birth-weight babies. The long-term health effects of prolonged methane and chemical exposure are still being studied.

Settlement and Compensation

SoCalGas’s parent company, Sempra, agreed to a $1.8 billion settlement—the largest natural gas leak settlement in U.S. history—compensating more than 35,000 claimants. The California Attorney General secured an additional $120 million court settlement. A $25 million allocation was set aside for studying the short-term and long-term health effects of the leak on exposed residents. In total, SoCalGas has paid out more than $2 billion in settlements and penalties related to the Aliso Canyon disaster.

Ongoing Concerns

While the leak was sealed and major settlements have been reached, residents continue to have concerns about the Aliso Canyon facility’s continued operation. The storage facility remains active, and some community members report ongoing health issues they attribute to their initial exposure. The $25 million health study is designed to provide long-term answers about the effects of the gas leak on the community’s health.

The Porter Ranch gas leak was a disaster that could have been prevented. If you were affected and have not yet pursued compensation, Beverly Wilshire Law APC can help you assess your options. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a free consultation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.