March 03--Southern California Gas Co. will have to continue paying for temporary accommodations for Porter Ranch residents who do not believe it is safe to move home in the wake of the largest methane leak in U.S. history, an appeals court ruled Wednesday.
The California 2nd Appellate Court rejected the gas company's argument that residents should immediately vacate their hotels and temporary homes now that the gas leak has been fixed. Customers now have until March 18 to move home.
The Aliso Canyon gas leak was first reported Oct. 23. Residents in Porter Ranch and surrounding communities complained of headaches, nausea and nosebleeds, symptoms that health officials believe were caused by odorants added to the methane to help detect a leak.
Those health concerns and the temporary closure of two public schools prompted thousands of households to voluntarily relocate out of the area.
FULL COVERAGE: Porter Ranch gas leak >>
Crews sealed the leak Feb. 18. Residents had eight days to move home before the gas company would stop paying for their accommodations. But some residents complained that they did not believe it was safe to move home, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors sought a temporary restraining order to give customers more time before moving back.
Last week, an attorney for the gas company said relocation efforts cost the utility $2 million a day.
"While we are disappointed with the court's decision because it conflicts with independent scientific analysis and creates further uncertainty for the community, SoCal Gas will continue to comply with the decision to provide continued relocation for those who choose to stay relocated," according to a statement from the utility.
A representative for county Supervisor Mike Antonovich, who represents the area and supported the extended relocation timeline, was not immediately available to comment.
Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the interim director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, has said it is safe for residents to return to the area if they do not smell fumes or feel ill.
Department officials do not expect there to be long-term health effects related to the gas leak, Gunzenhauser said.
alice.walton@latimes.com -- Twitter: @TheCityMaven
MORE ON PORTER RANCH
After gas leak, Porter Ranch homeowners hold their breath over property values
Gas company appeals order giving Porter Ranch residents weeks to return home
Southern California Gas using enhanced leak detection and inspections at Aliso Canyon
.png?w=600)
