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The region's air protection agency has closed its probe into a fecal smell reported across the region earlier this month after contacting businesses and interviewing local farmers.
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has ended its investigation into reports of a foul smell across Eugene and Springfield without identifying a definitive source, according to a news release Thursday, Aug. 21.
Several residents complained about the odor in posts on online forums and message boards in early August, comparing the smell to dog poop, manure and vomit. The agency, which monitors and regulates air quality in Lane County, said it received 45 complaints about the odor between Aug. 1 and 16 and opened an investigation Aug. 4.
Complaints came from throughout the Eugene-Springfield region, including Coburg, Cottage Grove, east Thurston and west Eugene, per Thursday’s release.
During its investigation, the agency analyzed wind patterns, contacted eight businesses that handle organic materials or hold air permits and checked with the Oregon Department of Agriculture about field applications. It also interviewed local farmers about seasonal operations and conducted “foul odor-tracking operations,” according to the release.
The agency said businesses reported “normal operations with no unusual events or releases.” All onsite investigations confirmed a lack of odors.
“While we couldn’t pinpoint a single source, the sharp decrease in complaints suggests the issue has resolved,” Matt Sorensen, LRAPA’s public affairs manager, said in the release. “The widespread nature and timing of the reports indicate this may have been multiple localized issues made worse by daily weather conditions.”
The agency said most people who filed complaints identified the smell late at night and in the early morning hours. When air cools and becomes still after sunset, odors are trapped near the ground overnight. When the morning sun warms the air, wind circulation increases and disperses the trapped odors, the release added.
“Our agency is pleased residents reported the issue and trust us to investigate,” Sorensen said. “It’s also good to keep in mind that unpleasant odors don’t necessarily indicate health risks.”
