Voluntary evacuation still in effect in Union

UNION TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- The voluntary evacuation of condominiums on Winter Road in Union Township, Lawrence County, because of a gas odor in the area remains in effect until further notice, Chief Stephen Stasko of Union Township Fire Department said.
Residents complained of a gas odor outside the condominiums Monday. Stasko said Columbia Gas and Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Agency officials have determined the gas is outside the buildings and is not from a pipeline leak of natural gas, but a biogas, methane, seeping out of the ground in the area.
Five units with four dwellings in each unit were initially affected, and Stasko said the gas was seeping out close to two other units today. He said the landowner is trying to fix the problem. Stasko said firefighters have gone door-to-door alerting residents, but evacuation is voluntary. He said anyone who wants to evacuate but has no place to stay may contact the fire department, and the American Red Cross will assist with temporary housing.