WAYCROSS, Ga. – Residents in Waycross want answers as a mysterious stench continues to linger over the Southeast Georgia town, with some reporting health concerns amid an ongoing investigation by local officials and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“It smells like some kind of toxic. Or maybe, like gas,” Sabrina Rich, a Waycross resident said, who reported that her family, including six children, have been experiencing headaches and coughing. Several of her children have asthma, prompting the family to remain indoors until the source is identified.
The unidentified odor, which residents began noticing about five days ago, has been described variously as similar to natural gas, asphalt, and decomposition. City officials have launched an investigation, but the source remains elusive despite multiple inquiries.
Investigation Underway
City staff and the EPA have conducted several tests across potential sources, including:
- Wastewater treatment plant inspections
- Gas line checks
- Septic tank examinations
- Water testing along Satilla River
However, according to city officials, these initial investigations have not revealed the source of the smell.
Resident Concerns Mount
“I don’t think they’re looking hard enough,” Jeanie Duncan, a local resident said. She also described the smell as “pretty rank” and “like a dead animal.”
The situation has prompted some residents to contact emergency services. Johnny Jones, another Waycross resident, said he called 911 after detecting what he thought was natural gas, only to be told by the operator it was related to a sewer plant. But officials reported on social media that they found no problems with the plant.
Next Steps
City officials have requested the EPA conduct air quality testing as a precautionary measure. The city manager has been providing updates through social media posts, directing News4JAX to these platforms for the latest developments.
The EPA has not yet responded to requests for comment on the investigation.
Residents like Rich are taking precautions by staying indoors until the situation is resolved.
“We don’t know exactly what’s going on, so we’ll just be indoors,” she said.
The investigation remains active, with city officials working to identify and address the source of the odor. The city manager has posted six updates on his Facebook page since the investigation launched.