(WOODLAND PARK/MONUMENT, Colo.) — Black Hills Energy released a statement about reports of odor issues impacting two Southern Colorado communities.

According to Black Hills Energy, the issue was first reported on Sunday, July 14 in Monument. Black Hills Energy has been coordinating with local fire departments because of an increase in calls related to the smell of rotten eggs. The smell is Mercaptan which is added to natural gas to detect leaks.

Black Hills Energy said technicians are working on purging the natural gas system of over odorant in Monument and Woodland Park. Customers may continue to smell natural gas until levels go back to normal, if they are near the purge a loud hissing sound will be heard.

While the issue is being addressed, Black Hills Energy said customers who smell natural gas to leave the home and call Black Hills Energy at (888) 890-5554 to investigate if there is a leak.