Ten years ago this week, (Oct. 23, 2015) the largest U.S. methane leak was discovered at Aliso Canyon in northwestern Los Angeles County. It focused attention on the state’s aging gas wells.

The well that leaked was one of 115 connected to a subsurface storage reservoir in the Aliso Canyon gas field. The field has been used for natural gas storage since 1973 and is the second-largest facility of its kind in the U.S., capable of holding up to 86 billion cubic feet.

8,000: Approximate number of home evacuations

112: Days between reporting of gas leak and stoppage

109,000 metric tons: Estimated amount of methane leaked. Considered an environmental disaster due to toxic nature of gas.

The fallout

Notable events following the leakFeb. 8, 2016: Southern California Gas Co. agrees to pay $8.

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