Credit: Monroe Energy, LLC
Residents of Delaware County, Pa. and New Castle County, Del. woke up Thursday morning to a strong gasoline-like smell in the air. Officials say the odor is connected to a refinery in the Pa. border borough of Marcus Hook.
NBC10 reported that according to officials, there was a power outage at the Monroe Energy facility Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. After the outage, the systems at the facility went into safe shutdown mode, which led to an increased gas flare.
The odor from the Monroe Energy facility, which is located just southwest of the Commodore Barry Bridge, has traveled to Delaware and parts of southeast Pennsylvania.
Different fire companies across the region have given different reasons for the odor.
The Woodlyn Volunteer Fire Company told CBS News that the Monroe Energy refinery is conducting a "burn-off," and that burn-off is sending a plume of smoke and flames into the air.
The Elsmere Fire Company told CBS News that there was an equipment failure at the refinery.
All authorities agree that there is no hazard related to the odor. Out of an abundance of caution, the New Castle Emergency Management and Citizen Corps agency has advised residents with respiratory issues to remain indoors for the moment.
Authorities are also advising locals to turn off their air conditioning and close all doors and windows to prevent the smell from entering their homes.
