Strong Gasoline Smell In Charlotte: No Gas Leak Gas Company Says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After receiving a high volume of 911 calls about a strong gasoline smell across the Charlotte area Thursday, Piedmont Natural Gas confirmed shortly after 11 a.m. that there are no gas leaks.

"We’re aware of natural gas reports in #CLT. At this time, there are no natural gas leaks on our system. The widespread odor was caused by destruction of mercaptan tanks by a local company. We’re continuing to work with local authorities," the utility company released in a statement.

Mercaptan, also known as methanethiol is a foul-smelling gas that is added to natural gas. It's harmless, but has a pungent odor.

The Charlotte Fire Department released a statement Thursday afternoon that the weather event called an inversion could prevent any odors from dissipating until it lifts. The National Weather Service said they expect it go away in a few hours.

Charlotte authorities said around 9 a.m. they were investigating a strong gas smell reported across the Charlotte area Thursday. The Charlotte police department said they were receiving a high volume of 911 calls about a strong gasoline smell.

"This is due to a weather event. PLEASE do not call 9-1-1 about this. It is preventing other people with emergencies from reaching 9-1-1," they wrote on Twitter.

Police said they're working with the National Weather Service to investigate the cause.

"The Charlotte Fire Department and Piedmont Natural Gas are working on identifying the source of the smell," police said. "A weather event appears to be trapping the odor close to the ground."

"There is no need to report this order. Unless you have a medical emergency or believe the gas is coming from your home or building - please call 911," according to the fire department

The Mecklenburg courthouse was evacuated but cleared by the fire department, said the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. Deputies are assisting with traffic on East 4th Street.

One Twitter user reported having a "massive headache" and feeling nauseous.

"Hard pressed to believe that there isn’t a major leak, even if a weather event is causing odor to be trapped close to the ground. Massive headache/nausea here in Elizabeth," wrote Jennifer Elliot.

Reddit users started a discussion Thursday morning about the gas smell. One person said the smell of gas is "across plaza Midwood/NoDa area (36th all the way to central)" and others reported having to evacuate from buildings in the area.

Patch will update this developing story.