Cause of Princeton natural gas smell determined

     Princeton residents have been reporting natural gas odors since about 7:30 Sunday morning, according to Fire Chief John Petrakis.  His department investigated the reports and contacted NiCor Gas and Ameren-CILCO.  Field technicians from both companies worked through the night trying to find the cause of the odor.  Ameren-CILCO determined there is no hazard, but they did find a malfunction with one of their mercaptin injection pumps northeast of Princeton.  They say repair crews will fix the pump, but it may take 24 to 48 hours.  They say during this time, residents downwind of the pump site may detect whiffs of the mercaptin as the crews work to repair the pump.  Petrakis says if you have any questions, call Ameren-CILCO at 800-755-5000.