Air tests underway to help uncover source of mysterious stench in Waycross
Waycross, Georgia water tower (WJXT, Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)
WAYCROSS, Ga. – Answers could come soon for Waycross residents wondering about a mysterious stench that lingers over the Southeast Georgia town.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) started conducting air quality tests, taking samples from two locations (one neutral area and another where the foul stench was reported the strongest), the city said in a Monday update on the issue.
RELATED: Fight over pungent odor in Murray Hill continues as second lawsuit attempt against chemical plant gets greenlight
Residents described the unidentified odor as similar to natural gas, asphalt and decomposition, and also expressed concerns about health issues.
Though the EPD does not regulate odors, the department will analyze the air samples to provide the city with a report in the coming weeks.
The EDP will also collect additional air samples throughout Waycross and other surrounding areas.
The city will provide updates as they become available. Keep up with them here .
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Author Kendra Mazeke headshot
She's navigating the digital world of journalism one story — and interview — at a time. Creator and host of "Voices of the 904," a show highlighting everyday people redefining Jacksonville's creative scene.
Voices of the 904 S2 Ep 1. - How her work for the Northside is a love letter to its culture, history ▶ 0:17
Voices of the 904 S2 Ep 1. - How her work for the Northside is a love letter to its culture, history
St. Johns County celebrates groundbreaking for new Fire Station 22 ▶ 1:25
St. Johns County celebrates groundbreaking for new Fire Station 22
Protecting the next generation of athletes. 🏈 ▶ 1:10
Protecting the next generation of athletes. 🏈
The Players kicked off on Thursday morning ▶ 0:46
The Players kicked off on Thursday morning
Weather Authority Alert Day declared for Southeast Georgia until 1 p.m. ▶ 0:47
Weather Authority Alert Day declared for Southeast Georgia until 1 p.m.
Florida bill that would increase pay for coaches heads to Gov. DeSantis' desk ▶ 1:12
Florida bill that would increase pay for coaches heads to Gov. DeSantis' desk
Taking you through ALL of TPC Sawgrass (Players Championship course) in under 11 minutes ▶ 10:54
Taking you through ALL of TPC Sawgrass (Players Championship course) in under 11 minutes
Mayor Deegan calls JEA investigative committee a ‘spectacle’ as council expands probe beyond audit ▶ 1:22
Mayor Deegan calls JEA investigative committee a ‘spectacle’ as council expands probe beyond audit
Annie R. Morgan Elementary on Jacksonville’s Westside to become tech incubator, community hub ▶ 0:56
Annie R. Morgan Elementary on Jacksonville’s Westside to become tech incubator, community hub
Captain Sandy questions state’s handling of plea deal in Nocatee homebuilding fraud case ▶ 1:23
Captain Sandy questions state’s handling of plea deal in Nocatee homebuilding fraud case
Court ruling could have impact on whether red-light camera remain legal ▶ 1:08
Court ruling could have impact on whether red-light camera remain legal
City Council president forms committee to investigate JEA ▶ 0:41
City Council president forms committee to investigate JEA
EWU women's hoops team playing in 1st NCAA DII tournament ▶ 1:07
EWU women's hoops team playing in 1st NCAA DII tournament
Caught up with Anton Harrison. It was his first time at The Players Championship. ▶ 1:54
Caught up with Anton Harrison. It was his first time at The Players Championship.
Trucks on 10 back at it again at TPC Sawgrass ▶ 0:37
Trucks on 10 back at it again at TPC Sawgrass
TPC Sawgrass packed the day before the Players kicks off ▶ 0:21
TPC Sawgrass packed the day before the Players kicks off
Have your umbrella ready as you head to The Players Championship ▶ 0:44
Have your umbrella ready as you head to The Players Championship
Your Goodwill donations do more than you think: How one item supports job training in North Florida ▶ 1:13
Your Goodwill donations do more than you think: How one item supports job training in North Florida
Veteran helped by Operation New Uniform shares how $10K donation will help service members ▶ 1:09
Veteran helped by Operation New Uniform shares how $10K donation will help service members
Tracking much-needed rain in our forecast as drought drags on ▶ 0:52
Tracking much-needed rain in our forecast as drought drags on
Jacksonville OIG launches investigation into JEA over millions in potential unpaid capacity fees ▶ 0:54
Jacksonville OIG launches investigation into JEA over millions in potential unpaid capacity fees
‘The people’s utility’: Carrico considering council action after IG requests review of JEA fees ▶ 0:55
‘The people’s utility’: Carrico considering council action after IG requests review of JEA fees
Ludacris takes the stage at Military Appreciation Day during The Players Championship ▶ 1:13
Ludacris takes the stage at Military Appreciation Day during The Players Championship
Lawsuit filed over firearm policy at Bradford County Fair ▶ 0:28
Lawsuit filed over firearm policy at Bradford County Fair
March 10, 6 p.m. scene of a crash on Edgewood Avenue, News4JAX working to learn more ▶ 0:30
March 10, 6 p.m. scene of a crash on Edgewood Avenue, News4JAX working to learn more
Previous photo Next photo 