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September 19, 2003
Naperville, Ill. -- Nicor Gas, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and the Naperville Fire Department partnered this week in an emergency response exercise that demonstrated how to safely handle a spill of mercaptan, the distinctive odorant added to natural gas that gives it its unique, repugnant smell.
The response training exercise consisted of two drills at the Naperville Fire Department Training Facility located at 1971 Brookdale Road. Both scenarios allowed the Naperville Fire Department to test their new decontamination unit, which is the only one of its kind in the area. The second part of the day provided a forum for toxicologist, technical experts and key industry representatives to lead a session on odorant education and to guide the group in a strategy session on determining odorant handling best practices.
The emergency preparedness drill, the third of its kind ever, provided participants the ability to ensure the readiness of their communities. The exercise is especially worthwhile, since approximately 40,000 pounds of odorant may be transported in the course of being delivered to a processing facility or natural gas installation on any given day in the greater Chicagoland area. The practice session was designed to specifically address the safety measures needed in the event of a spill.
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor, Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas services for nearly 50 years. The Company serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit the Nicor Gas Web site at www.nicorgas.com. |
