NATCHEZ — An Adams County official wants to reassure residents that a foul smell blanketing the southern part of Natchez is not a natural gas leak and is not dangerous to residents.

Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford said his office has fielded numerous phone calls from residents reporting a foul smell, similar to that of a natural gas leak. He said most of the calls have been coming from areas around the Natchez Mall. Residents reported on social media people smelling the odor as far away as the area around Duncan Park.

Bradford said the smell has been pinpointed to the release of methane gas from the Natchez water treatment plant on River Terminal Road. He said he spoke with Atmos Energy officials, who confirmed the smell is not associated with a gas leak.

The release of the methane gas, Bradford said, was caused by the extreme change in temperatures in the last couple of days. The smell of the methane gas is being carried by the wind.

Bradford said this happens occasionally.

Bradford said Friday night he is working with the water treatment plant supervisor to get the situation rectified.