Gas odor spreads across southeast Penfield after methane pocket is struck during drilling operation

Penfield, New York – Residents in the Town of Penfield noticed an unusual odor in the southeast section of the community on Monday, September 15, prompting several calls to emergency responders. Officials later confirmed that the smell was linked to a drilling project on Pine Brook Circle.

According to town officials, a contractor was working on a geothermal well when the drilling unexpectedly struck a naturally occurring pocket of methane. That disturbance allowed gas to escape into the air, spreading the odor to nearby areas.

Penfield Fire responded quickly after receiving multiple reports from concerned residents. Following their investigation, officials reassured the public that the odor was not a sign of danger. “It has been determined that there is no risk to the public,” the statement emphasized.

Read also: New field station under construction will significantly boost research opportunities and academic collaboration at Tait Preserve

Work crews remain on site, and efforts are underway to reduce the smell as much as possible. Town officials cautioned, however, that the gas odor will not disappear immediately. “The drilling crew is currently working to mitigate the odor; however, the odor of gas will be present in the area for 24-72 hours,” the notice explained.

Though the presence of methane may sound alarming, officials clarified that it is a naturally occurring gas, and the drilling operation simply brought it to the surface. No evacuations were ordered, and no health hazards have been identified.

Read also: Dual role as teacher and mentor earns faculty member a prestigious international award that honors decades of dedication to engineering education

Residents are being asked to remain patient while the situation clears on its own. Fire crews and the drilling team will continue monitoring the site until the smell fully dissipates.

For now, town leaders hope the community takes comfort in knowing the incident is being handled. While the smell may linger for a couple of days, experts stress that it poses no threat to safety or health.