State issues warning about propane gas; leaks may not be detectable

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers who use propane gas that they may have purchased propane with insufficient odorant and need to exercise reasonable caution in using that gas.

A Massachusetts investigation uncovered distribution of the propane gas with insufficient odorant in a Westfield, Mass. facility. However, only propane delivered since May 1 from this particular source is involved, Massachusetts officials said. The Westfield facility has now been shut down.

“That large distribution facility in Westfield has about 16 distributors that deliver directly to residential and commercial customers and refilling stations here in Connecticut,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell said. “The Connecticut Office of the Fire Marshal and the Department of Environmental Protection are now identifying and notifying those companies that may have the Westfield propane. Our job is to alert consumers to this situation, because, ‘your nose is not going to know’, due to the lack of odorant.”