County DES says pipeline odor reported; plans outreach and detection review with operators

County emergency management staff reported that a rancher reported smelling an unusual odor similar to refinery emissions along a stretch of pipeline in the county. Staff said county and company responders visited the site, used a handheld detector and found no sustained readings, but the community member and county staff said they wanted better public awareness and clarity about detection methods.

A county official said Exxon (named in the meeting) and a contractor used a handheld detector; an outside expert suggested that sampling sometimes requires digging a small hole and sampling low to the ground to allow gases to concentrate so detectors can read low-volume leaks. Commissioners directed staff to research detection equipment and to ask the pipeline company to provide education to residents about how to report suspected leaks and what detection steps are performed.

Ending: DES staff said they would look into detection options and coordinate a public information push and possible exercises with pipeline operators and first responders; staff said they would report back with options and cost estimates.