A proposed Gas Company expansion project and its potential fire threat were the topic of conversation at the January 2011 Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council meeting. Andy Carrasco, Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Gas Co, made a presentation about the project. About 50 residents and stakeholders participated in the town hall discussion.

At stake is the expansion of the Sempra Energy Aliso Canyon Gas Storage Facility housed in the mountain above Porter Ranch. The facility is the largest gas storage operation in Southern California, storing 84 billion cubic feet of natural gas 7,000-9,500 feet underground in what used to be an oil well. That quantity is enough gas to supply all their customers for 30 days. The gas is compressed for storage by gas driven compressors. Sempra wants to expand the facility by using electric turbines, but needs to run additional power lines from Newhall to do so.

Carrasco described the project and discussed pipeline safety in the wake of the September 2010 San Bruno explosion. He emphasized the Gas Company’s focus on safety and listed the types of brush clearance that they complete, but noted that he could not comment upon the Sesnon Fire, as litigation was pending.

But many Porter Ranch residents could and did comment on the Sesnon Fire of 2008, voicing concerns about the Gas Company’s lack of brush clearance and its impact on the Sesnon Fire which was begun by downed power line sparking flames in the brush below, Residents emphasized that adequate brush clearance is what would be required to get this project approved.

During the question and answer period, one resident focused on the brush clearance, inquiring specifically about clearance under power lines. Carrasco answered that the lines often run between mountain peaks at distances of 3,000 feet, making it impossible to clear underneath. When local real estate development expert and resident Dave Hasson suggested that they run the power lines underground, the response was that it was not possible due to the terrain.

The Gas Company will be holding an open house and community meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 4-7pm at the Porter Valley Country Club, 19216 Singing Hills Dr. Porter Ranch, CA 91326. The project is in the environmental review process with the Public Utilities Commission. If approved, it is expected to require three years for construction. Find out more about the project at http://socalgas.com/aliso

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