About 40 additional Atmos Energy crew members are responding to hundreds of gas leak calls in Meridian.

Even though the calls are being attributed to an excessive amount of mercaptan, the chemical that gives natural gas it’s “rotten egg” smell, Atmos officials are encouraging residents to call their toll free emergency number.

Robert Lesley, director of public affairs for Atmos in Mississippi, said Saturday that crew members would be on call overnight and throughout the day today to respond to any calls from customers who say they smell gas.

“People are smelling mercaptan,” Lesley said. “We put too much mercaptan in the system.”

Lesley said the number of calls are decreasing, which he said is a sign that the mercaptan is working its way out of the system. He also said some residents have been calling 911 when they smell gas but they should call Atmos’ toll free emergency telephone number at 1-800-692-4694.

Lesley said the additional Atmos crew members in Meridian are from Tupelo, Kosciusko and Jackson.

The calls are coming more than two weeks after an explosion at 4829 15th Place that took the life of Ann Kahlmus, 79, the sole resident of the home on July 18.

The Meridian Fire Department, the Meridian Police Department and the state fire marshal’s office launched an investigation into the fire and explosion, which included examination of the gas-fired appliances and piping in the home.

Lesley said Saturday that the incident is still under investigation.

“Atmos considers this a safety issue,” Lesley said of the reports of gas odors. “Safety is Atmos’ highest concern. We’re going to investigate every call.”