***ATMOS GAS NEWS UPDATE (4/15/2022-8:20 PM) *** Atmos Energy will perform routine maintenance resulting in the safe removal of natural gas on Friday, April 15, beginning after 7 p.m. at a location along eastbound Highway 170 near Independence Parkway (32.98455° N, 97.24975° W) in Fort Worth. Atmos Energy remains focused on its vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, and this work demonstrates a continued investment in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, and our communities.
Atmos Energy is committed to protecting and preserving the environment, and this procedure is a necessary, safe, and standard industry practice used to extract natural gas from an isolated section of pipeline by burning it rather than allowing it to escape directly into the atmosphere. This routine practice reduces fugitive greenhouse gases and diminishes the mercaptan odorant to lessen the smell of natural gas in the air.
This process will result in a controlled flame and moderate noise, and Atmos Energy has advised city staff, public officials, 911 operators, and emergency responders. ADDITIONALLY, the Denton County Office of Emergency Management has provided the following update:
· Atmos has published an additional press release notifying the public of a flaring event to bleed off the excessive mercaptan which is being shared via social media (see attached)
· Lewisville Dispatch has received approximately the same amount of calls as yesterday
· Lewisville Emergency Management issued a message to their residents notifying them of the situation to alleviate 9-1-1 calls
· Overall, Dispatch Centers in Denton County are taking calls for gas odor/leaks at a lower rate today
· Jurisdictions to the east and southeast are now experiencing the odor issue including Collin and Dallas Counties
· Based on call data, approximate time for the odor to subside is 16 to 24 hours
· There is no elevated threat to the public
· Denton County Fire Departments are not locating gas leaks on the majority of 9-1-1 calls
Denton County Dispatch Centers continue to receive calls from residents regarding gas odor and leaks. Residents are still being urged to call 9-1-1 if they smell gas in or around their home or business. Overall, the calls for service are dropping, indicating that the gas odor issue appears to be on the decline in Denton County. They will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.
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***ATMOS GAS NEWS UPDATE (4/15/2022-1:45 PM) *** This is an update on the natural gas odor incident in Denton County provided by Atmos Energy:
· Dispatch Centers in Denton County are taking calls for gas odor/leaks at a lower rate this morning
· Jurisdictions to the east and southeast are now experiencing the odor issue including Collin and Dallas Counties
· Based on call data, approximate time for odor to subside is 16 to 20 hours
· Atmos has published an additional press release regarding the incident which is being shared via social media (see attached)
· There is no elevated threat to the public
· Denton County Fire Departments are not locating gas leaks on the majority of 9-1-1 calls
Denton County Dispatch Centers continue to receive calls from residents regarding gas odor and leaks. Residents are still being urged to call 9-1-1 if they smell gas in or around their home or business.
Dispatch calls for service are dropping, indicating that the gas odor issue appears to be on the decline in Denton County. Atmos will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.
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***ATMOS GAS NEWS (4/14/2022) *** Atmos Energy has confirmed that gas lines were over-odorized with Mercaptan (the component that gives natural gas its smell), which is causing some residents to have a strong smell of natural gas at their properties in a number of our neighboring communities.
They continue to say that this is a nuisance issue only rather than a safety concern and there is no elevated threat to the public. The Trophy Club Fire Department has NOT yet found any leaks or breaks in any lines in TC at this time.
As of this morning, Atmos is continuing to work on correcting the ongoing issue. The company’s recommendation is to call them with any questions or concerns at 866-322-8667, however, please be aware that since this is a regional issue they are struggling with service delays.
The TCFD is in contact with Atmos, and we will update the community as we receive additional information.
