Rotten Egg Smell

Earlier this morning, MLGW’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant in Capleville released a high level of Mercaptan into the natural gas pipeline system as part of routine maintenance. Mercaptan is a harmless odorant added to natural gas to detect gas leaks; the odorant gives off a distinct smell similar to rotten eggs.

That smell can be confused with a gas leak. As of this morning, MLGW is working to investigate an unusually high number of suspected gas leaks that ultimately could be customers mistaking the smell of Mercaptan for a gas leak when they use their natural gas appliances. MLGW does not believe there is a danger of gas leaks at all of these locations.

All customer calls will be looked into, and the same safety procedures will be followed that are always used when suspected natural gas leaks are reported. If customers suspect there is a gas leak, MLGW urges them to leave their homes and call the emergency hotline at 528-4465. MLGW will send a crew to investigate.

Here are some tips if a natural gas leak is suspected:

1) Do not light matches.
2) Do not turn lights on or off or operate any electric equipment. The slightest spark could cause an explosion.
3) Do not use the telephone.
4) Evacuate the home or building immediately. Do not re-enter the building until you’re told it’s safe to do so.
5) Use a neighbor’s phone to call MLGW’s emergency hotline.