A combination of thunderstorm damage, heat and air pollution issues and natural gas odor complaints, on top of the typical busy summer month activity, resulted in SHAES responding to a record 413 calls this past month, according to Chief Brandon Hinz. The previous record for the month of July was just a year ago — 317. The department is on pace for a record year answering 1,768 responses thru July 31.

The Thursday, July 30 activity was non-stop with the department responding to 42 alarms across the community, mostly complaints of natural gas odors in homes, businesses, schools and churches. The problem was traced to a malfunction in equipment maintained by Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU).

A statement from MGU read: “Due to an issue with an odor pump at one of our natural gas distribution facilities, more mercaptan than normal was added into our system. Mercaptan is the substance added to natural gas that gives it a distinct smell, making it easy to detect. There was never any safety risk, but customers may have smelled the odor. The pump has been repaired, and the amount of mercaptan in our system will be decreasing throughout the day. If a customer smells natural gas inside their home, they should leave the area and contact us to report the issue once they are away from their home. Our crews will respond quickly and safely to investigate and determine if repairs are needed.”

The previous record for alarms in the month of July was just a year ago — 317. The department is on pace for a record year answering 1,768 responses.

Chief Hinz gave credit to his department members for their efforts in responding to the unusual circumstances. He also gave kudos to the Van Buren County 911 and City of South Haven dispatchers for coordinating the department’s response efforts.