Residents in Northwest Corpus Christi May Notice Odor
City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI (News Release) – On Monday, March 27, units from the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD), the Annaville Fire Department, and the Bluntzer Fire Department responded to a possible gas leak in the area of FM 624, Highway 77 East, County Road 50 South, and County Road 73 West. It was determined that there was a very small gas leak which was quickly contained. Because of this, the City did not issue a press release; however, a Reverse Alert was sent out to all subscribed phone numbers in the local vicinity.
The Corpus Christi Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team and contractors were on the scene and scheduled to begin remediating the area at approximately 1:45 p.m. yesterday, March 30. The remediation activities caused a noticeable odor in the area. The odor will be released from a product called Mercaptan, which is used to keep natural gas safe because it releases a foul-smelling odor when gas leaks occur in order for them to be detected. The severity of this odor will depend on distance from the work sight, wind direction, and speed. Current air monitoring readings show Mercaptan levels are well below the threshold for concern of irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory systems for individuals living or working within this area.
The Corpus Christi Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team remained on the scene throughout this process to provide continued air monitoring. CCFD teams also apply foam over the affected area to suppress vapors as the remediation occurs. First responders traveled to neighborhoods and school campuses in the affected area to provide notice of the upcoming activities.
