April 24. 2025
Steuben County Emergency Services and Bath Electric Gas and Water put out statements about a chemical odor that’s been in the air in several local towns. According to BEGWS and Steuben County Emergency Services, a local facility has had a release of mercaptan while conducting maintenance operations. Officials say that Mercaptan is commonly used as a chemical in natural gas to help detect leaks. The facility reports there is no natural gas leak, but only a release of the odorant from the mercaptan system.
Officials say that the strong odor has been noted in the areas from Savona to Bath to Hammondsport. “If the odor makes it into your house or building you can air out the house or building once the odor has dissipated outside,” it stated, in the notice from the county.
