Facts

The Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility (Facility) was owned by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) and was located near Porter Ranch, California. In 2015, a gas leak was discovered at an injection well in the Facility. Gas leaked for more than 112 days and released a significant amount of toxins into the air. As a result of the gas leak, thousands of residents from the San Fernando Valley area were forced out of their homes while some had suffered various illnesses such as headaches, nausea, and nosebleeds. Families who lived near the Facility brought a class action against SoCal Gas alleging personal injury from their illnesses and property damage to their homes. The State of California also brought a consolidated action against SoCal Gas alleging numerous state law violations.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that the gas leak forced thousands to be moved from their homes. Plaintiffs contended that the gas leak caused many residents to suffer illnesses. Plaintiffs contended the gas leak caused property damage. Plaintiffs contended that defendant did not report the gas leak to all appropriate government agencies, including the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, until days later. Plaintiffs contended defendant had released toxic air contaminants into the local community and had jeopardized the health and safety of persons responding to the leak as well as Porter Ranch Residents. Plaintiffs contended that the gas leak will have long term environmental and climate change impacts. Plaintiffs contended that defendant violated state law by discharging air contaminants that can cause injury. Plaintiffs contended that defendant's caused a public nuisance because the gas interferes with a comfortable enjoyment of life and property. Plaintiffs contended defendant created a condition that is injurious to health or an obstruction to the free use of property. Plaintiffs contended defendants impaired and destroyed the natural resources of the State.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all of the contentions. Defendant contended that it was able to plug the leak. Defendant contended that it has already spent more than $1 billion on the blowout--with most going to the temporary location of families that lived near by the Facility.

Result

The parties agreed to settle the case.