Congressman Sherman Calls on EPA to Protect Public Health from Porter Ranch Gas Leak
Sherman Oaks – Today Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to 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, Congressman Sherman noted that the leaking facility has been emanating noxious gas for over six weeks, and has been sickening residents of the Porter Ranch neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Sherman's letter urges the EPA to commence an investigation, develop a plan to protect public health and require Southern California Gas Co. to implement that plan.
"This gas leak is not just a smelly nuisance, it's a public health concern," said Congressman Sherman. "There have been reports of dizziness, headaches, and nose bleeds in the area – even causing some resident to relocate. The EPA should be investigating the cause of this leak and help propose action to fix the situation before more people become ill."
A preliminary Environmental Health Assessment by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the health threat, noting the "neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms that may result from the inhalation."
Read Congressman Sherman's Letter to the EPA Below:
December 10, 2015
The Honorable Gina McCarthy
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
Dear Administrator McCarthy:
I am writing to request that the Environmental Protection Agency immediately investigate the unresolved gas leak at the Southern California Gas Co. natural gas storage facility in Aliso Canyon. I ask that the Environmental Protection Agency investigate the cause of the leak, and propose action to mitigate the threat to public health, and expedite the leak's repair.
For over six weeks, noxious gas emanating from a leaking well has been sickening residents of the Porter Ranch neighborhood of Los Angeles, causing headaches, nose bleeds and dizziness[1][2]. A preliminary Environmental Health Assessment by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the health threat, noting the "neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms that may result from the inhalation." More than 2,800 residents have inquired about relocation and over 1,200 have already relocated. The situation will only worsen, as Southern California Gas Co. estimates that the leak could continue for months.
The California Air Resources Board estimates that the leak is responsible for nearly 25% of California's daily methane emissions; as you know, methane is an important cause of global climate change. I am also concerned about reports of radon gas and benzene being released into the air.
An immediate investigation has become necessary due to the prolonged period of the leak, the apparent health impacts, and the lack of certainty over when the leak can be stopped.
I am aware that 40 CFR § 68.3 excludes storage facilities from regulation under the Risk Management Program. However, we believe that 42 U.S. Code § 7603, which allows the EPA to "issue such orders as may be necessary to protect public health or welfare or the environment," controls the determination here. A statutory provision inherently trumps any regulation. To be even clearer, the statue explicitly states, "Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Administrator… may… take such other action as may be necessary."
Accordingly, it seems clear that you have the statutory authority to:
- Commence an investigation,
- Determine all necessary steps to protect the environment and public health, and
- Require Southern California Gas Co. to implement all such steps.
Sincerely,
Brad Sherman
Member of Congress
CC:
Department of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources
California Public Utilities Commission
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich