The Bad Old Days

Although methane levels were deemed safe at the time, the GeoScience Analytical report noted "it is conceivable that sealing this area"—for example, by building a school there—"could cause an accumulation of gas over a long period of time."

While he insisted he's not concerned about Brea Olinda, GeoScience Analytical's Pandolfi said it's best to be safe. "With all the stuff happening at Belmont, everybody's taking a closer look," he said. "It wouldn't hurt to have a monitoring program at Brea Olinda. It would offer a little protection and peace of mind."