Aliso Canyon, Natural gas storage facility in Santa Susana Mountains, California.
Aliso Canyon is a natural gas storage facility in the Santa Susana Mountains, constructed within subsurface rock formations that were originally oil-bearing. The storage system uses underground cavities to hold gas, making it one of the largest such installations in California.
The site was first discovered as an oil field in 1938, then later converted into a gas storage system by Southern California Gas Company during the 1970s. This transformation made it the state's largest facility of its kind for managing natural gas reserves.
The area around the canyon reflects its role as a major energy storage site, with industrial infrastructure shaping how nearby residents experience the landscape. The site has become a focal point for discussions about energy security and environmental stewardship in Southern California.
The facility is not open to the public, as it operates as a controlled industrial site requiring specialized personnel and safety protocols. Visitors can explore the surrounding landscape and mountain terrain, though direct access to the storage infrastructure itself is restricted.
A major incident in 2015 released a substantial amount of methane, drawing international attention to the safety concerns surrounding underground gas storage. The event became a turning point for how energy storage and environmental protection are managed in the region.
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