The Latest: Authorities eye whether odour linked to oil sheen

VALLEJO, Calif. – The Latest on the investigation of an oil sheen and strong odour on a bay in California (all times local):

9:40 a.m.

Authorities are investigating whether a mysterious odour is linked to a 40-foot wide oil sheen on San Pablo Bay, north of San Francisco.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the sheen Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, Vallejo residents were told to stay inside after the odour prompted several people to go to a hospital with respiratory issues.

The shelter-in-place order was later lifted but the source of the smell had not been pinned down.

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7:56 a.m.

A shelter-in-place order for a northern California community has been lifted Wednesday after local authorities determined a strong odour was not coming from within the city.

The mysterious odour prompted several people in Vallejo to go to the hospital Tuesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday night was investigating reports of an oil sheen on waters near Vallejo but didn’t spot a sheen around Vallejo from the air. Additional investigation is planned for Wednesday.

KNTV reports (http://cbsloc.al/2d1NMnz) that Vallejo police said the first call on the odour came in at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday from the western side of Mare Island.

Vallejo is on the San Pablo Bay, north of San Francisco.

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4:30 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating reports of an oil sheen on waters near a northern California community where local authorities are trying to determine the source of a strong odour.

The Coast Guard didn’t spot a sheen around Vallejo from the air on Tuesday but said crews will look again Wednesday morning.

Fire officials, meanwhile, are telling people in the city to shelter in place.

The Fire Department says gas monitors are registering safe levels, but it has asked residents to close windows and turn off air conditioning units. Fire officials say the odour is not linked to any natural gas or refinery burn off from nearby facilities.

Vallejo is on the San Pablo Bay, north of San Francisco.