Mystery surrounds the source of a ‘gas cloud’ which sparked a series of complaints and reports from people across a large area of South Bristol on Monday evening (November 11).
People from Ashton Gate and Ashton Vale to Bedminster Down, Bishopsworth and Highridge reported a sulphurous ‘eggy’ smell lingering in the air from around 7pm, which intensified at around 9pm.
Wales and West Utilities, which manage the gas supply infrastructure in Bristol, said it received ‘multiple’ calls from people reporting the smell of gas, and engineers were dispatched to scour the area looking for the source.
But the source was not found by the experts, who reassured people it wasn’t a gas leak from the pipes and there was no danger to the public.
A spokesperson for Wales and West Utilities said the engineers in the area reported that it was likely to be what they call a ‘gas cloud’, where the smells from industrial processes, or waste treatment areas, build up in still weather conditions and drift around a wider area.
There are a number of present day industrial and waste sites, and historic landfill sites on the south western edge of Bristol that it is believed could be the source of the smell.
“Yesterday (November 11), we received several calls reporting a smell of gas in the BS3 area of South Bristol,” a spokesperson said. “Our engineers visited affected areas and carried out all our necessary safety checks, but there were no readings of gas in the air and this smell has not been caused by a leak from our gas network.
“However, if anyone ever smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999. Trained colleagues will take their call, give them advice, and our engineers will be there to help, day or night,” he added.