Don’t worry about those loud noises downtown Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s why
That loud hissing noise you hear and the stink you smell from the new pipeline under Whatcom Creek? It’s nothing to worry about, according to the 911 dispatch center in Whatcom County and Cascade Natural Gas officials.
Cascade Natural Gas will release nitrogen from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, near North State Street and Meador Avenue, What-Comm 911 said on its Facebook page.
That’s near the north end of downtown, and between the York, Puget, Sunnyland and Roosevelt neighborhoods.
“During this time, area residents may hear a very loud roar, similar to a jet taking off,” What-Comm officials said. “The noise, while potentially a nuisance, is no reason for alarm. We have been assured there is no risk to public health from this release.”
Another gas release is planned Wednesday, but the timing was unknown, said Amy Cloud, spokeswoman for the Bellingham Department of Public Works.
Bellingham Emergency Management tweeted that the Wednesday release would also smell like sulfur — it’s from the chemical mercaptan that gives natural gas its odor.
Mark Hanson, spokesman for Cascade Natural Gas, said the nitrogen is related to a construction site where the company crews have been burying a new 8-inch pipe in preparation for a bridge rebuilding project planned later this year.
“It’s pressure-testing the line,” Hanson said.
What-Comm said questions could be directed to the utility company at 1-888-522-1130.
This story was originally published January 21, 2020 at 3:12 PM.
