Could the Gas Leak at Porter Ranch Have Been Prevented?

After two months, 2000 families have already moved out of the upscale Porter Ranch development in the northern San Fernando Valley because of a massive natural gas leak. It won't be fixed for another two or three months more. Many lawsuits have been filed, and the LA Weekly has come up with evidence that could lead some plaintiffs to demand punitive damages. A safety valve might have allowed the leaking pipe to be shut down — but the company removed it in 1979. Gene Maddaus reported that story.