One Year After Aliso Canyon, Feds Propose National Safety Standards

"Currently there are no federal regulations on gas storage. A federal task force aims to change that in the wake of the largest-known release of climate-changing methane in US history."

"WASHINGTON — A year after a blowout at a natural gas well near Los Angeles spewed tons of noxious gas and drove thousands from their homes, a federal task force is recommending dozens of safety changes for the nation's 400 underground natural gas storage facilities.

A report released Tuesday recommends that operators of gas-storage sites conduct strict risk assessments and develop robust safety procedures, including ensuring that storage wells have backup systems to contain gas flows in the event of a leak.

The leak at the Aliso Canyon well was the largest-known release of climate-changing methane in US history, according to scientists. It spewed an estimated 107,000 tons of methane before being controlled in February. The blowout sickened residents in the Porter Ranch neighborhood and surrounding suburbs."

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press October 18, 2016.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2016/1018/One-year-after-Aliso-Cany...