health IMPACTS |
When pressure builds and the company needs to release gas, many toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and n-hexane, (a neurotoxin) are released. Cumulative exposures to chemicals could pose serious risks to the health of those living nearby.
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Economic Impacts |
A blowout similar to the one in Aliso Canyon means deep losses to local businesses and decreased property values and could potentially lead to the closure of Los Angeles International Airport, the 4th busiest airport in world, stranding millions of passengers and costing millions of dollars to the local, state and national economy.
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Geographical Impact
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There are nearly half a million Californians living within a five-mile radius from the storage facility and relocating most of them in addition to the stranded passengers would prove to be a logistical nightmare. There are also a number of hospitals and over 60 schools and universities within the 5 mile radius.
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Long term effects |
It is also a fact that SoCal Gas failed most of the residents near Porter Ranch after their blowout and there is no reason to believe that they would react any differently to a blowout in a denser area. The gas company is still refusing to pay for a long-term health study and fighting reimbursements for those who were displaced. SoCal Gas has also fought against any liability for all the lost revenue suffered by businesses during and since the blowout.
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