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Those running errands in east Regina Tuesday afternoon might notice the rotten egg smell of natural gas.
SaskEnergy said it’s because around 1:30 p.m. a third-party construction crew accidentally drilled into a four-inch gas line around the Eastgate Drive bridge, just off Victoria Avenue.
The gas is planned to be shut off to the damaged pipeline around 6 p.m.
There’s no estimated time as to when the line will be fixed, but crews are expected to be working into the evening.
While there is no “immediate danger” linked to the hit, people are still being asked to avoid the area as crews continue with the repairs.
Three surrounding businesses have been evacuated as a precaution, after reporting strong odours associated with the gas leak.
Dave Burdeniuk, the Crown’s director of government and media relations, said the smell is caused by mercaptan — an odourant added to the natural gas for safety reasons.
“The odourant is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do as it hangs around the surface and alerts everyone there’s a problem,” he explained. “It’s probably just that the HVAC systems are pulling that odour into the buildings.”
Anyone who thinks they smell natural gas is asked to call 1-888-700-0427, and a SaskEnergy technician will be dispatched to investigate the area.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
