DETROIT – Some neighbors on Detroit’s east side are complaining about a mysterious foul odor that’s stinking up their community. They said the stench is lingering in the area around Gratiot Avenue near Mack Avenue and Mt. Elliott Street.
“It smells like defecation,” said Angelo Walls. “Like consistent passing gas.”
People living in the area said the strong odor intensifies with the sun, rain, and wind.
”It’s like for long periods of time,” Tyshay Jones explained. “You don’t even have to roll your windows down. It comes through the vents and everything. Very foul.”
The foul odor has been in the area for some time, according to neighbors. Some local business owners describe the odor as a nuisance.
“It’s like a sewage,” said Margaret Afubu, owner of Tru Vine Braids and Locs. “Most especially at night. Yeah, like a sewage.”
The area has many homes, a commercial retail district, and several factories. Residents said they have not been able to pinpoint the source of the odor. However, organizers with Grassroots Detroiters have been hosting community meetings and fielding complaints about the issue.
“Well, we’re not sure where it’s coming from, but it’s a very pungent, noxious odor,” said Mrs. Dee with Grassroots Detroiters. “It’s hard to explain. It’s like something rotten or defecation, something like that.”
Some neighbors are complaining the aroma has been traveling deeper into the neighborhoods.
“People are beginning to complain about feeling nauseous, headaches, and things like that,” Mrs. Dee added. “So we are really concerned.”
A representative from the City of Detroit said the issue with the foul odor would be under the purview of the State of Michigan. WDIV-TV, Local 4 News contacted the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). A spokesperson said the issue is on the agency’s radar. However, the lead staffer on the matter was unavailable on Tuesday. The staffer is expected to follow up with more details once they return to the office on Wednesday, including more details into whether the investigation into the odor issue is under EGLE’s jurisdiction.
Some neighbors said they just want relief from the smelly situation.
“We want to know what it is,” Mrs. Dee said. “We want to know how this can affect us long and short term.”
Since smells can be fleeting, representatives with EGLE are encouraging anyone who may suspect a foul or suspicious odor in the air to report it immediately to the Pollution Emergency Alerting System at 800-292-4706, or fill out the Air Quality Complaint Form at Air Quality Complaint Form (arcgis.com).