The massive runaway methane gas leak in Northern Los Angeles County that has forced thousands from their homes is already the largest gas leak in U.S. history and experts are worried the environmental disaster could get worse.
The gas storage fields near Porter Ranch have been spewing massive amounts of methane into the air since October and Southern California Gas executives say the leak won't be fixed until April at the earliest.
A new infrared video shows the invisible methane gas billowing from the leaky Aliso Canyon well at the rate of 110,000 pounds per hour.
Tim O'Connor, California climate director for the Environmental Defense Fund, told the Washington Post 150 million pounds of methane gas have been vented into the atmosphere since October.
"It is coming out with force, in incredible volumes. And it is absolutely uncontained."
Fearing an explosion, the Federal Aviation Administration has banned aircraft flying below 2,000 feet from going within a half-mile of the well.
Although SoCalGas executives claim the methane gas leak isn't lethal, area residents have reported suffering from poisoning symptoms including headaches, heart problems, confusion, dizziness and loss of motor control.
