STERLING, Ill. (KWQC) - If you smelled a gas leak in the Sterling and Rock Falls area in Illinois, that is because there was a leak but not natural gas.

Monday morning construction crews were working at an old substation on McNeil Road when they noticed a leaking tank of mercaptan, Sterling officials said in a Facebook post.

Mercaptan is the strong-smelling compound added to odorless natural gas as a warning of so leaks can be detected.

The concentration level is unknown.

Nicor Gas is aware of the odor and officials said crews are investigating every odor report, according to a Facebook post from the Rock Falls Fire Department.

Officials said mercaptan will fade naturally, and poses no harm to the community.

If you believe you have a gas leak at your home or business, city leaders

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