Venting of gas in the Nanoose area is causing a strong smell to venture into Nanaimo, prompting concern from several area residents Wednesday morning. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

rotten eggs

Natural gas venting in Nanoose spreading smell across Nanaimo

Aug 28, 2024 | 9:24 AM

NANAIMO — Some maintenance on natural gas lines in the Nanoose Bay area had some unpleasant consequences elsewhere.

Complaints to FortisBC and local first responders skyrocketed early morning, on Wednesday, Aug. 28 with a strong smell lingering in the air.

Diana Sorace, a spokesperson for FortisBC, told NanaimoNewsNOW the smell was a consequence of planned work in the area.

“Our crews were performing routine maintenance work on our transmission line in Nanoose Bay. There were some strong winds in the area, so when we were doing our work we do let gas vent…and the winds did carry some of that gas odour out of Nanoose Bay, south into Nanaimo.”

Sorace said as is standard procedure, notice of the work was made to nearby businesses and residents, however winds picked up the gas and made it more widespread than planned.

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The smell is expected to reduce as the day goes on, however work is continuing through much of the afternoon and residents nearby may detect faint traces from time to time.

“The smell is held in the air by moisture, so as it warms up the smell is starting to dissipate through the day. We apologize, we know it’s a pungent odour that’s in the air.”

Natural gas is naturally odourless, however a harmless chemical called mercaptan gives it the familiar rotten egg smell.

Sorace said regardless of whether work is planned or not, it’s always a good idea to report the smell or sound of natural gas.

“If you smell gas, you should still call it in. It may not be related to the work we’re doing, so it’s a good reminder that if you smell that rotten egg smell or you hear the sound of escaping gas stop what you’re doing, go outside, call 911 or our FortisBC emergency line.”

The emergency line is 1-800-663-9911.

The smell was reported in most areas north of Nanaimo, along with portions around Woodgrove, Departure Bay, Hammond Bay and Brannen Lake.

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