Porter Ranch gas leak could be capped this week

• Matt Mills
• February 8, 2016
• Categories: Utilities

Aliso Canyon gas leak may finally be stopped

The natural gas leak that has been plaguing the Los Angeles region since October 2015 might finally be capped this week, officials say.

The leak at a facility operated by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) was originally detected back near Porter Ranch in October but still has not been completely stopped as of yet. Last week, an advisor for California Governor Jerry Brown, Wade Crowfoot, said that the leak could be capped by the end of this week.

See also: Natural gas leak in California causes health, environmental problems

Crawfoot did caution, however, that the timeline is a “best-case scenario,” and could be delayed if there are any unforeseen problems with the plan.

SoCalGas under pressure

SoCalGas has been drilling a rescue well about 8,500 feet below the layer of rock that holds to problematic gas store. The final phase of the process is set to begin today, and it can’t come any sooner for the beleaguered utility company.

See also: SoCalGas gets hit with multiple lawsuits due to Aliso Canyon gas leak

SoCalGas was hit with a number of lawsuits last week due to the utility company’s connection to the ongoing leak. And more are expected to surface.

Once the leak is capped, focus will likely shift to Porter Ranch residents and their ability (or lack thereof) to safely return to residences and resume life as normal.

See also: Porter Ranch gas leak might just be 'one of thousands' in the U.S.