Interesting article on gas leaks and compression stations.

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/westdenton/stories/DRC_Dish_0513.1e160f59.html

Apparently it isn't just mercaptan (the odorant added to give natural gas a detectable smell) that is leaking from the compressor stations in the Town of Dish, TX. They have detected natural gas too.

"Residents have complained for several years about natural gas odors in and around metering and compressor stations. At least 10 high-pressure natural gas pipelines converge in Dish, most through three metering or 11 compression stations.

Industry officials have repeatedly told residents that the smell comes from mercaptan, an odorant that is added to natural gas as it is processed there. Since natural gas has no odor, energy companies add the chemical to help detect gas leaks.

Dish officials purchased a natural gas detection unit that can pick up concentrations as low as 5 parts per million. After residents reported a strong odor on April 26, Tillman said, he got positive readings on the detection unit for several hours and reported the results to the Texas Railroad Commission."