Odor’s origin still mystery after week of searches, tests
Georgia Environmental Protection Division personnel were in Waycross Monday to do more air quality testing in response to the foul odor that surfaced about a week ago.
So far the origin of the smell, which residents said seems to be more prevalent in the early morning and late at night at this point, remains a mystery.
Previous tests by the regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency in Atlanta and those by the GEPD along with efforts by city personnel have uncovered nothing of physical harm for residents.
The odor first surfaced in the Cherokee Heights area of the city, reports of residents in that area said, but it has since become more noticeable elsewhere. Recently, residents have said the smell has a gas or gasoline-like base.
The GEPD specialist selected two sampling locations — one neutral site and one near the area where the odor was reported as strongest for Monday’s tests, Waycross City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford.
While EPD does not regulate odors, they will analyze both air samples and provide the city with a report in the coming weeks, Rayford said. In addition to the stationary testing, the specialists also are traveling throughout the city and surrounding county to collect additional air samples.
Rayford has offered periodic updates via social media on the situation in an effort to allay the fears of citizens that something toxic is permeating the air.
Rayford said crews have tested the river, cleaned out sewers and lift stations, surveyed wastewater treatment plant and are considering several possible causes. He also said the city is factoring in everything from illegal dumping and nearby construction to weather patterns.
The city has had problems in the past with illegal dumping in manholes connected to its sewer system.
Rayford said the city remains diligent and is “still out in full force” in its efforts to find the source of the smell. He said the response of environmental officials this week is among those to similar odor-related issues elsewhere in the state.
“... It’s crazy, but they're going through similar things,” he said.
Rayford asked residents to report any strong smells through the city’s application, MyWaycrossGA.
He said he will continue to update residents as new or additional information becomes available.
WJXT and WTLV in Jacksonville contributed to this report.
