Counsel for Los Angeles County is planning to go to court Wednesday to request a temporary restraining order against the Gas Company for its continued refusal to extend the period it will pay for relocation expenses from 8 days to 30 days from the capping of the well, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

The Board of Supervisors in closed session Tuesday unanimously authorized counsel to seek legal action if the Gas Company refused the County’s request pursuant to its February 10th 5-signature letter.

“The County Department of Public Health has indicated that they need a 30 day period to assess the potential presence of gas that could persist in a sample of vacated homes,” said Antonovich. “The 8-day limit established by the City of Los Angeles and the Gas Company is unacceptable.”

Additionally today, the AQMD indicated its support for the County’s position as well as the Paul Kiesel, liaison counsel for gas leak-impacted residents who intends to join in the County’s application.

The Department of Public Health also indicated that they are developing testing protocol with input from agency partners including AQMD, CARB, US EPA Indoor Environments Group, CDPH and OEHHA.

The Gas Company and the City of Los Angeles had agreed to a 7-night, 8-day timeframe by when residents must return to their residence otherwise reimbursement for relocation expenses will stop. On February 9, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to send a 5-signature letter to the Gas Company and the L.A. City Attorney urging them to work with County Department of Public Health and the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and continue paying relocation fees for dislocated residents up to 30 days after the Aliso Canyon gas leak is officially capped.