Crime & Safety
Funky, Gas-Like Odor In West LA Is Harmless, SoCal Gas Says
There have been multiple reports of an unidentified smell in Santa Monica and throughout West Los Angeles.
SANTA MONICA, CA – If you smelled a gas-like odor in Santa Monica and parts of West Los Angeles Thursday afternoon, you're not alone. The city received multiple reports of the smell throughout the Westside, but no natural gas incidents or chemical spills have been reported. The odor came from "a brief period of venting" that occurred during planned maintenance, according to the Southern California Gas Co.
"The release didn't present a health or safety risk to the community," according to a statement from Southern California Gas Co. "We responded to odor reports to confirm there were no unsafe conditions at each location."
Natural gas is odorless but for safety reasons a putrid-smelling agent called mercaptan is added to aid in leak detection. The Santa Monica Fire Department works with Southern California Gas and the Los Angeles Fire Department, along with other agencies, to address concerns and monitor for specific hazards, according to the Santa Monica Fire Department.
Find out what's happening in Santa Monicafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The City of Santa Monica has received reports of gas-like odor throughout the Westside. There is NO report of a natural gas incident or chemical spill. SMFD is working with @SoCalGasNews, @LAFD, & other agencies to address concerns & monitor for any specific hazards
— Santa Monica Fire (@santamonicafd) December 21, 2017
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