The quality of these systems has improved since the mid-1970s, when state engineers and contractors were installing methane mitigation for the first time. The process was also new to city and fire-department inspectors who had to sign off on the work after the Fairfax explosion. There is no degree program in vapor-barrier science. Inevitably, some things went wrong. A faulty barrier system underneath an office building on Wilshire Boulevard has created an ongoing potentially hazardous nuisance.
Gas is in the building at all times in the lower levels.
As a result, a venting fan must run 24 hours a day, and the encroaching oil must be removed. No one admitted any wrongdoing. Sepich designed the barrier system under the Central Library, among other places, as well as the original safety system intended for Belmont. Belmont opponents criticize Sepich because his final design did not protect all of the buildings at Belmont. Sepich vigorously disputes this contention, and insists that the dangers at Belmont have been considerably overrated.