Columbia Gas has identified the cause of the odor throughout Northeast Ohio, and it is not a gas leak.
Wednesday evening, a natural gas odor took over areas including Ashland, Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties and the city of Mansfield, causing some concern about a potential gas leak.
However, Columbia Gas said the odor is caused by an overabundance of mercaptan, which an upstream supplier added.
Mercaptan is a harmless odorant that makes it easier to detect natural gas, according to Columbia Gas.
Parma Fire said residents will smell natural gas after using gas appliances; however, it does not mean they are working improperly.
The fire department encouraged people to air out their homes after using gas appliances and to contact it with any concerns.
Columbia Gas released a statement about the odor:
"Our crews are aware of a gas odor in some parts of our service territory. The situation is safe, and the source of the odor is known. The odor is occurring due to an overabundance of an additive known as mercaptan having been added by an upstream supplier. Mercaptan is a harmless substance that makes it easier to detect natural gas. The source of the odor is not due to a gas leak. Although we have identified this odor source, it is important to contact us at 1-800-344-4077 if you believe you are smelling a gas leak. For more information, go to https://www.columbiagasohio.com/safety/natural-gas-safety [columbiagasohio.com]"
