By Alice Walton
Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — Southern California Gas Co. will pay a $4 million settlement to end a case filed by Los Angeles County prosecutors over the utility’s handling of the massive Porter Ranch gas leak last year.
Prosecutors on Tuesday announced the settlement, saying the gas company pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count. The charge alleged that the company failed to immediately report the gas leak, which began Oct. 23, 2015, to local officials as required.
“This agreement ensures that Southern California Gas Co. is held accountable for its criminal actions for failing to immediately report the leak,” L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement.
In February, Lacey filed four misdemeanor criminal charges against the company, accusing it of releasing air contaminants and neglecting to report the release of hazardous materials until three days after the leak began.
The leak forced thousands of residents out of their homes for months.
Residents have complained of headaches, nosebleeds and nausea, which are short-term symptoms associated with an odor-causing additive in the natural gas.
The leak was finally sealed in February.
Southern California Gas still faces numerous civil lawsuits from residents, some of whom are demanding the Aliso Canyon gas facility be permanently shut down.
The utility could not immediately be reached for comment.
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