For those of you who do not know, natural gas has no natural odor. That distinctive odor is added to the gas so that people can detect leaks and avoid danger. This weekend, the citizens of Roanoke, Virginia discovered that the odor-adding agent is some pretty nasty stuff. Many people awoke on this Saturday morning to an overwhelming natural gas smell. The hideous stank even invaded the Banshee's lovely abode. Logically fearing a gas leak, many people called 911 and fled from their homes, taking their pets with them.
Although the stench alone caused some people to feel sick to their stomachs, it turns out that there was no need for alarm. There was no natural gas leak. Instead, it was the odor-adding agent that had escaped into the air. Less than a gallon of the smelly stuff was spilled at a recycling plant. But that was enough to stink up houses and business for a several mile radius. Word to the wise: never spill that stuff on your hands.
