Porter Ranch gas leak could be capped sooner than expected, official says
PORTER RANCH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The ongoing massive gas leak in Porter Ranch could be capped by next week, according to one of Gov. Jerry Brown's advisers.
The adviser told Porter Ranch homeowners on Friday that the final phase of drilling to intercept the well is expected to begin on Monday.
Then, if all goes according to plan, it could take contractors about five days to permanently seal it.
MORE: New video allegedly shows gas still spewing in Porter Ranch
However, Southern California Gas officials are being more conservative with the time table. SoCal Gas officials said they're getting close to ending the leak but are "technically in a very demanding phase of the work."
SoCal Gas has estimated that the leak should be fixed by the end of February.
The leak started on Oct. 23. Since then, SoCal Gas' Aliso Canyon storage facility has spewed more than 2 million tons of methane.
Around 4,400 people have been relocated because of the leak and many have complained of sickness they say are linked to the gas exposure.
Meanwhile, SoCal Gas initially said all of the families that were relocated would get 48 hours to get back into their homes once the leak is sealed. The utility company has since stepped back somewhat and said they will consider the moves on a case-by-case basis.
