B717 Captain experiences compressor stalls at 90 KTS during takeoff and rejects. Maintenance discovers that the second; third; and fourth compressor stages have sustained significant damage and the engine needs to be replaced.

Narrative

After pushing back from the gate a few minutes late due to late arrival; we had an uneventful taxi to the runway. On the take-off roll at approximately 90 KTS; we heard several loud bangs on the left side of the aircraft. At the same time we received the level 2 ENG L COMP STALL alert. I aborted the take-off and we followed the FOM guidance. After turning of the runway we stopped the aircraft and ran the appropriate abnormal alert checklist. We notified ATC; followed by the Flight Attendant's and the passengers. After conferring with Maintenance we returned to the gate; deplaned the passengers and contacted Dispatch. After about an hour and a half scheduling sent us to the hotel.There were no engine exceedances indicated on the engine display. No fire or other warnings beyond the COMP STALL were displayed during the abort. However; upon checking with Maintenance Control later in the day; I was told the left engine sustained significant damage to at a minimum the 2nd; 3rd and 4th stages of the low pressure compressor. The engine was subsequently slated for replacement. With no adverse engine indications and the affected engine shutdown; no assistance was requested nor needed from the airport fire department or authorities.