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Torts Keyed to Henderson
Southern California Gas Leak Co. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Citation:
441 P.3d 881 (Cal. 2019)Facts
Southern California Gas Company operates the Aliso Facility, an underground natural gas storage site near Porter Ranch, a residential neighborhood of approximately 30,000 people. In October 2015, an uncontrolled gas leak began releasing approximately 55 tons of natural gas per hour, coating nearby neighborhoods in an oily mist. Residents reported unpleasant odors, headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Due to health concerns, authorities established a relocation program, eventually relocating about 15,000 people. The leak continued for four months until February 2016, releasing approximately 100,000 tons of natural gas. Plaintiffs, businesses operating within five miles of the facility, alleged that the mass relocation devastated the local economy, causing them to lose substantial income. These businesses included restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies, beauty salons, doctor’s offices, party suppliers, a photography store, a martial arts center, a day care, real estate agencies, and contractors. Importantly, no plaintiff alleged personal injury or property damage; they sought recovery solely for lost income.
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