CUDAHY, WIS. – Smithfield Foods’ Patrick Cudahy Inc., pork processing plant in Cudahy, Wis., was evacuated on April 13 following reports of a possible gas leak near the facility according to local reports.

We Energies, a utility services company, confirmed reports of the smell of gas in the area and released a statement following the incident.

“We believe the odor was caused when relief valves opened to relieve high pressure in our system, which is what it is designed to do in these types of situations,” said Amy Jahns, We Energies spokesperson. “We have returned the system to normal operations at this time.”

Along with We Energies, multiple fire departments from around the area responded to calls about the odor.

Jahns said utility company officials were still investigating the incident.