Gas Smell Permeates Northern Va. Neighborhoods

September 3, 2006 - 9:22am

WASHINGTON -- Residents in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties had to put up with the smell of gas for quite awhile over the weekend.

Residents and business owners in parts of Sterling, Ashburn and Western Fairfax reported smelling gas starting on Saturday afternoon.

A Washington Gas spokeswoman says there they have found only pinehead leaks in some lines but no big leaks.

An equipment malfunction put too much mercaptan, the additive that gives natural gas its smell, into the system.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Culler says no one became sick and there were no evacuations.

Washington Gas officials say they are working to fix the problem, and want to hear from anyone who still smells the odor.

Residents or business owners who smell gas should call 703-750-1000.

WASHINGTON -- Residents in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties had to put up with the smell of gas for quite awhile over the weekend.

Residents and business owners in parts of Sterling, Ashburn and Western Fairfax reported smelling gas starting on Saturday afternoon.

A Washington Gas spokeswoman says there they have found only pinehead leaks in some lines but no big leaks.

An equipment malfunction put too much mercaptan, the additive that gives natural gas its smell, into the system.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Culler says no one became sick and there were no evacuations.

Washington Gas officials say they are working to fix the problem, and want to hear from anyone who still smells the odor.

Residents or business owners who smell gas should call 703-750-1000.

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