Multiple buildings on Kent State University’s Kent Campus were affected by a strong natural gas odor on Nov. 19, leading some employees and students to vacate their buildings temporarily.
Kent State Police said crews working in the area were completing a scheduled bleeding of gas lines, which caused the odor. Gas crews said winds blowing toward campus contributed to the strong smell on some parts of campus.
“Bleeding gas lines” is the intentional release of trapped air from a gas line by opening a specific valve, allowing the gas to flow and push out the air.
Crews completed their work around noon, and the odor was expected to begin to dissipate. Additional work on the lines is expected later in the week.
Classes remained in session, and the university remained open.