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**Jack** · Jan 8, 2007, 10:18 am

Gas-like odor permeates parts of NYC - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com

Quote:

Authorities were investigating the source of a mysterious gas-like odor Monday that stretched across a large part of Manhattan, including Rockefeller Center.

The Fire Department began getting calls about the odor around 9 a.m. Monday, said spokesman Tim Hinchey. No source had been identified.

There also were unconfirmed reports of a similar smell across the river in New Jersey.

Part of the New York-New Jersey PATH commuter train system was shut due to the smell.

“The service has been suspended between Hoboken and 33rd (Street) and Journal Square and 33rd pending an investigation by Con Ed and the fire department,” PATH spokesman Pasquale Difulco said.

Macy’s department store in Midtown was evacuated, according to reports on the WNBC Web site, and CNN reported that one office building had been evacuated.

Utility officials with utility company Consolidated Edison had no immediate comment.

In August, a gaseous smell hit parts of Queens and Staten Island, sending seven people to the hospital.

Failing infrastructure or possible terrorist activity? I'm leaning toward a failing infrastructure. But still, a natural gas leak on this scale could prove deadly for some.

bishop · Jan 8, 2007, 10:48 am

things in nyc either stink like car exhaust, piss, garbage, etc....

i'm feeling like it's probably poorly maintained infrastructure.

RickSp · Jan 8, 2007, 12:21 pm

So far no one knows what has caused the smell. All indications are that it is not natural gas. There has been no drop in gas system pressures, so no major leak is indicated. They are now investigating if there has been a spill somewhere of mercaptan, the oderizer used in natural gas to identify leaks.

The smell seems to be dispersing.

brien · Jan 8, 2007, 01:13 pm

Maybe Rush Limbaugh, well err, breath is backing up on him.

Edited to maintain decorum.

Cephus · Jan 8, 2007, 04:00 pm

Quote:

Quote by: brien

Maybe Rush Limbaugh, well err, breath is backing up on him.

Edited to maintain decorum.

I figure it smells the same no matter which end of him it comes out of.

brien · Jan 9, 2007, 09:41 am

I agree, but I was cited for a minor infraction when using the more vulgar term for passing gas.

The Bacon Guy · Jan 9, 2007, 11:12 am

Given Rick's point about there having been no drop in system pressure, I would say that a release of thiols is more likely to be the cause of it. In fact, the very same thing happened in my university a couple of decades ago, resulting in an entire Glasgow street being evacuated for fear of a gas leak.

**Jack** · Jan 9, 2007, 11:45 am

It also seems early reports may have been overly excited. Macys claims it did not evacuate its store.

RickSp · Jan 9, 2007, 02:36 pm

My son mentioned that the smell in his classroom on the west bank of the Hudson River was quite strong. Two girls in his class went home sick.

Best estimates are now that the swamp near Secaucus, NJ burped. If you know Secaucus, that seems like a plausible explanation. The town is located in the "Meadowlands" - "Meadowlands" being a better marketing phrase than "stinky swamp".

Praxius · Jan 9, 2007, 02:47 pm

Yeah here in Canada we got the news that it's possibly from NJ.

CTV.ca | N.J. eyed as source of stench over Manhattan

Quote:

"The way we tracked the dispersion of the smell and the prevailing winds indicates that it came from New Jersey, somewhere near Secaucus," Sturcken said.

Compugasm · Jan 15, 2007, 06:57 am

So, what was all the stink about?

Praxius · Jan 15, 2007, 12:00 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Compugasm

So, what was all the stink about?

I dunno... it seemed to have just disappeared in the news..... could have been garbage..... could have been bio warfare..... who knows now?

Jan 8, 2007, 10:48 am	#2 (permalink) (top)
bishop moderat-e/o-r Location: boston Posts: 11,184	things in nyc either stink like car exhaust, piss, garbage, etc.... i'm feeling like it's probably poorly maintained infrastructure. hope for america... http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

Jan 8, 2007, 12:21 pm	#3 (permalink) (top)
RickSp Volcanic Erupter Posts: 9,491	So far no one knows what has caused the smell. All indications are that it is not natural gas. There has been no drop in gas system pressures, so no major leak is indicated. They are now investigating if there has been a spill somewhere of mercaptan, the oderizer used in natural gas to identify leaks. The smell seems to be dispersing. Rick "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Sinclair Lewis

Jan 8, 2007, 01:13 pm	#4 (permalink) (top)
brien Iceberg Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,691	Maybe Rush Limbaugh, well err, breath is backing up on him. Edited to maintain decorum. Brien the Iceberg If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. M.T. Last edited by brien; Jan 8, 2007 at 02:08 pm.

Jan 9, 2007, 09:41 am	#6 (permalink) (top)
brien Iceberg Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,691	I agree, but I was cited for a minor infraction when using the more vulgar term for passing gas. Brien the Iceberg If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. M.T.

Jan 9, 2007, 11:12 am	#7 (permalink) (top)
The Bacon Guy Back Location: Scotland, Central Lowlands Posts: 2,891	Given Rick's point about there having been no drop in system pressure, I would say that a release of thiols is more likely to be the cause of it. In fact, the very same thing happened in my university a couple of decades ago, resulting in an entire Glasgow street being evacuated for fear of a gas leak. The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom.

Jan 9, 2007, 11:45 am	#8 (permalink) (top)
Jack formerly Isherwood Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 13,010	It also seems early reports may have been overly excited. Macys claims it did not evacuate its store. The Forum Rules Radical Atheist Heathen Queer Let's agree to respect each others views, no matter how wrong yours may be. (Ashleigh Brilliant)

Jan 9, 2007, 02:36 pm	#9 (permalink) (top)
RickSp Volcanic Erupter Posts: 9,491	My son mentioned that the smell in his classroom on the west bank of the Hudson River was quite strong. Two girls in his class went home sick. Best estimates are now that the swamp near Secaucus, NJ burped. If you know Secaucus, that seems like a plausible explanation. The town is located in the "Meadowlands" - "Meadowlands" being a better marketing phrase than "stinky swamp". Rick "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Sinclair Lewis

Jan 15, 2007, 06:57 am	#11 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,643	So, what was all the stink about? I'd like to thank Charlie Hodge, bringing me scarves and water.