A persistent and unpleasant smell that recently settled over the Town of Cochrane has been officially identified, with municipal officials pointing to an accidental chemical release from a nearby natural gas facility.
Source of the Smell Identified
In a news release issued on Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Town of Cochrane addressed community concerns head-on. The municipality confirmed that the foul odour was caused by an accidental release of mercaptan, a chemical additive also known as methanethiol, from a gas plant near the community located northwest of Calgary.
Cochrane Fire Services had been fielding a significant number of calls from residents alarmed by the strong, pervasive scent. The town moved quickly to investigate the source and provide clarity to the public.
What is Mercaptan and Why the Smell Lingered
Mercaptan is deliberately added to odorless natural gas to give it a detectable smell, a critical safety measure. The compound is infamous for its potent, sulphuric aroma often compared to rotten eggs or cabbage, which allows people to identify potential gas leaks immediately.
Officials explained that the unusual persistence of the odour was due to specific atmospheric conditions. "Due to the changing weather conditions, including temperature and atmospheric conditions, the mercaptan smell is lingering longer than usual," the town's release stated. They assured residents that as weather patterns stabilize, the smell would naturally dissipate.
No Risk to Public Safety
The Town of Cochrane was emphatic in its assurance to the community. There was no active natural gas leak associated with the incident, and no risk to public safety. The release of the odourizing agent itself was the isolated event.
"The issue has been resolved, and relevant agencies are aware and monitoring the situation," the statement read. The town expressed gratitude for the community's response, adding, "We appreciate residents bringing this to our attention and thank the community for their patience and vigilance."
For any ongoing concerns, especially if a smell is suspected to be unrelated to this specific mercaptan release, Cochrane residents are advised to contact emergency services by calling 911 for a proper assessment.
