Atmos Energy: Oil field odor in Lubbock is not gas leak

Provided by Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy is receiving high call volumes due to an oil field odorant that is permeating through Lubbock, TX today.

"With the fog and extreme cloud cover, Lubbock is experiencing a strong oil field odorant in the air today," said Marinda Heinrich, Atmos Energy spokesperson. "This has caused many people in Lubbock to feel they smell natural gas when they are actually smelling the oil field odorant."

Atmos Energy's suspected leak orders have spiked, beginning around 5:00 a.m. this morning.  In response, the company has brought service personnel in from Plainview, Levelland and Littlefield to help Lubbock service personnel respond to the surging leak orders.

"No leaks have been found on our system and we can confirm our system is safe," said Heinrich. "We are hopeful once the sun comes out and the fog and cloud cover dissipates the odor will clear."

If you feel you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and get to a safe location and call 911 or Atmos Energy at 888.286.6700.