Image from 2007 NY Times of Con Ed worker testing for gas on Bleeker and Christopher Street
The 4/29-30 Roosevelt Island Public Safety 24 Hour Incident Report advises that there was a gas leak across the East River in Long Island City on Vernon B’lvd between 36th – 37th Avenues.
Gas Leak- Off Island- On Vernon Blvd Bet 36 Th. and 37 Th. Ave. 911 Supv notified PSD
Not know at this time whether Vernon B’lvd gas leak has anything to do with last Monday night’s suspected gas leak at the Roosevelt Island Subway Station that sent three people to the hospital. However, during the testing at the subway station on Monday night, I was advised by Con Ed representative on site that it was possible gas fumes could be coming from Queens.When RIOC officials were asked for information about subway incident, President & CEO Steve Shane responded:
We have no idea. The City and MTA are the responsible parties and, I am sure, are looking into the matter.
Shane did provide helpful assistance in contacting MTA Public Affairs group.The NY Times reported on a a similar incident in January 2007.
A strong odor permeated parts of New York City and nearby areas of New Jersey during the morning commute today, forcing several schools and companies to evacuate and interrupting traffic along some subway and train lines. Authorities investigating widespread reports of the smell, which some described as a gas-like odor, said it did not appear to be harmful.
… Mysterious odors come and go in the New York City area, sometimes never identified.
In August, a pungent smell wafted through Staten Island, alarming hundreds of residents. The City Department of Environmental Protection dispatched a hazardous materials crew, using equipment to test air quality for volatile organic compounds, which are emitted from a range of products from stored fuels to aerosol sprays to paint.
But the investigation into its source proved fruitless.
In a city scared of terrorism, pungent odors, sweet or sour, can raise vague worries about some kind of chemical attack.