Porter Ranch gas leak could be fixed in days, officials say

PORTER RANCH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of people affected by the natural gas leak near Porter Ranch could be days away from a resolution, with a fix in sight.

Porter Ranch homeowners were told the final phase of drilling could begin in the upcoming week. Then, if all goes according to plan, it could take contractors about five days to permanently seal the well, according to the Governor's Office.

The leak at The Alison Canyon storage facility started on Oct. 23.

Around 4,400 people have been relocated because of the leak and some were complaining they feel sick.

At the Southern California Gas Company Community Resource Center on Friday, residents lined up to get help.

Trina Thalheimer decided to stay in her house but said she was worried.

"Long term effects mostly because it's been going on longer than I think they've said it has," she said.

Leah Samia of Porter Ranch said although SoCalGas is helping her family, not all worries have gone away.

"I'm going to stay in the house because they are going to put filtration through the house so that way at least the air in the house will be clean," she said. "My concern was if I walk outside if it's clean."

SoCalGas officials said their studies show low levels of gases in the area and added that they are getting close to their target at about 100 feet from the well.

Mike Mizrahi of SoCalGas said once they intercept the well, they will kill it so gas no longer goes through. Then, the state agency is expected to certify that the well has been killed.

Meanwhile, residents remained hopeful they will be compensated for the damages.