Providing the Region with Affordable and Reliable Energy
Applying Industry-Leading Practices in Operations
- SoCalGas has installed a remote pressure monitoring system for all wells at the Playa del Rey storage facility;
- Additionally, the majority of the storage wells are now configured so that natural gas only flows through newly-installed steel inner tubing, allowing the outer casing to act as a second barrier of protection against potential leaks; and
- Daily patrols are also conducted to inspect for leaks.
Connecting with the Local Playa del Rey Community
- Friends of Ballona Wetlands
- Los Angeles Airport Coastal Chamber
- Loyola Marymount University, Government Affairs
- The Bay Foundation
- Westchester / Playa del Rey Neighborhood Council
Minimizing Our Environmental Footprint
Safety First
We will set up a soil natural gas monitoring program using a qualified consultant agreed to by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and establish a procedure to post results of the soil natural gas monitoring analysis. Results will be provided to the CPUC’s Utilities Safety and Reliability Branch (USRB). We will follow a soil natural gas monitoring program after abandoning and closing any wells.
We set up a program to monitor subsidence in the area. Subsidence is a phenomenon where the elevation of the ground is lowered over a large area. In some parts of the Los Angeles basin, this has resulted from large scale withdrawal of oil or water from subsurface formations. SoCalGas® will hire a specialized contractor to monitor for the occurrence of subsidence, using sophisticated satellite technology that is capable of detecting changes in ground level of two to three millimeters. We will submit results of this program to the USRB and post the results.
In the Venice area of the field, we will continue to maintain reservoir pressure at no greater than 2400 psi.
The chemical composition of withdrawn natural gas will be posted and updated monthly.
If we release any liquids into the atmosphere that reach neighboring homes, we will test the liquids for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These results will be posted. The PCB content of liquids collected inside of our pipeline at the facility since 2003 and going forward will be posted.
Soil Natural Gas Monitoring
Out of 150 points sampled utilizing four-foot-deep probes in Phase One, two locations (involving five sample points) yielded methane levels higher than 25,000 ppm. As per the Settlement Agreement approved by the CPUC, this requires immediate investigation (Phase Two) with two to 20-foot-deep probes at the two well sites where natural gas was found -- and more extensive testing of the samples obtained. Once those results have been obtained, then it will be determined whether the natural gas is associated with the Storage Field and what, if any, further action is required.
- Map showing points sampled (PDF)
- Table of sample analysis (PDF)
- Soil Natural Gas Monitoring Work Plan (PDF)
- Phase I Soil Vapor Monitoring Report (PDF)
- Phase II Soil Vapor Monitoring Report (PDF)
Subsidence Monitoring
- Master Report 2009
- Interim A Report 2009
- Interim B Report 2010
- Interim C Report 2010
- Interim D Report 2011
- Interim E Report 2011
- Interim F Report 2011
- Interim G Report 2012
- Interim H Report 2012
- Final Report 2013
Playa del Rey Junction PCB Results (Excel File)
Playa del Rey Withdrawn Natural Gas Composition (Excel File) -- Data lags behind by one month due to data processing.
Maintenance Activities
This information is provided solely for informational purposes. Although SoCalGas has used reasonable efforts to assure its accuracy, no representation is made that the contents are free from error or suitable for use for any particular purpose. SoCalGas assumes no responsibility for use of, or reliance on, this information by any party, and specifically advises such parties to discuss any decisions.