UPDATE:
Public safety officials in Hamilton County say a gas-like odor occurring Sunday throughout the county as dissipated.
Hamilton County Emergency Management officials, working in conjunction with partners in Marion County, have not confirmed the source of the smell.
Fire departments and emergency-management officials used gas monitors to determine no gas was actually present when investigating the numerous complaints around the county. The odor has since dissipated.
This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Earlier this afternoon, on Jan. 8, Hamilton County Communications started receiving several calls of the smell of natural gas located in the Carmel area. As of now, Carmel Fire has been on more than 30 calls for smell of gas in residence and business structures. Gas monitors were used and no natural gas readings were found.
Noblesville Fire Dept. is also reporting a high level of calls relating to this release. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said as a result, they believe this is a mercaptan release, similar to what occurred a few months ago in Marion County, which in turn affected Hamilton County.
So far the source of the release has not been identified but public safety agencies in both Marion and Hamilton Counties say they are investigating to identify the source.
Mercaptan in this form is not fatal to humans or animals but is an irritant. If you feel you have been exposed to mercaptan you should immediately attempt to move to a well ventilated area, and call 911 if symptoms of nausea, eye irritation, difficulty breathing or irritated skin occur.
