Rotten-Egg Smell Prompts Shelter-In Place In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA – Hydrogen sulfide gas in a sewer pipe led to a shelter in place order in the Vallejo Street area of Petaluma on Tuesday afternoon, fire officials said.

The rotten egg smell made some members of the Petaluma Water Resources and Conservation Department feel ill when they were flushing a sewer line adjacent to 621 Washington St. around 1 p.m., according to the
fire department.

The workers placed a gas monitor into the sewer piping and found a high level of hydrogen sulfide.

Petaluma police shut down Vallejo Street between Madison and East Washington streets and residents were advised to shelter in place, fire officials said.

Fire crews did not find any of the gas outside of the sewer system, inside a nearby Whole Foods store or inside any residences, and the incident was mitigated by 4:30 p.m., fire officials said. No injuries were
reported.

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that is poisonous, corrosive and flammable.

The cause of the hazardous materials incident is under investigation, Petaluma Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Holden said this morning.

• ALSO SEE: Sonoma Co. Doctor Indicted In Illegal Opioid Distribution

--Bay City News/Shutterstock image