Health & Fitness
Philly 'Gas' Odor Monday Still A Mystery, Fire Officials Say
The Philadelphia Fire Department said while the refinery was being cleaned, the cause of the smell was not the initially reported chemical.
PHILADELPHIA — A chemical odor that was permeating throughout Philadelphia Monday morning is still a mystery, according to officials.
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management said the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia is being cleaned.
Officials said the cleaning causing a chemical odor to spread around the city, according to officials.
Find out what's happening in Philadelphiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
However, the Philadelphia Fire Department said the initial chemical thought to cause the smell was not the cause.
"We actually went in and checked that vessel or hazmat taskforce did, and did not find that to be the source of the odors," Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said.
Find out what's happening in Philadelphiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
However, some buildings in the city were evacuated and police and fire crews responded to various areas.
Anyone who suspects a gas leak is occurring in their area is asked to call 911, the office of emergency management said.
Philadelphia Fire Dept has responded to Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery to investigate citywide reports of an odor. PES reports there was a release of mercaptan, a non-hazardous substance, during equipment cleaning. If you suspect gas leak on your property, please call 911
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) March 2, 2020
TU Alert: A refinery in South Philadelphia is being cleaned, which has caused a chemical odor to permeate the city. There is no risk to residents and the odor will dissipate. There is no need to evacuate campus buildings.
— Temple University (@TempleUniv) March 2, 2020
PFD companies are at the PES refinery to investigate.
— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) March 2, 2020
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