As of Wednesday, SoCalGas has received hundreds of inquiries from residents who want to be relocated.
A spokesman for SoCalGas said around 250 families didn’t accept the accommodations offered to them and chose to find their own housing. Those who have decided to find their own accommodations will be reimbursed up to $250 per room per night, plus any taxes and fees.
The leak was discovered back in late October. Since the leak was discovered hundreds of Porter Ranch residents have complained of the smell, as well as headaches, dizziness and nausea.
Officials with SoCalGas said they planned to mask the stench with a mist as they work to plug the well, which may take three more months to complete.
County and city officials have called on the state for help controlling the leak.
Asides from providing free and temporary relocation assistance, SoCalGas is giving mileage and food reimbursements to those who have had to leave their homes.
SoCalGas has more than 100 wells at the site that pump natural gas into an underground oil field, and it is one of the largest storage facilities in the West. It has the capabilities of supplying all of Southern California for more than a month.
Officials said the field is not at risk of exploding and the natural gas doesn’t pose health problems.
