An unpleasant and mysterious odor lingered in Southwest Washington, wafting into multiple communities overnight.
Cowlitz County Emergency Management Services began responding to a 911 call from a resident regarding the odor around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement obtained by USA TODAY.
Cowlitz County said the odor appeared to be in South Kelso, Rose Valley, Kalama, Woodland and Cumbia counties before reaching Portland.
“The source of the odor and what the odor was remains unknown and under investigation,” Cowlitz County wrote.
Within hours of the odor being first reported, several theories emerged, including “leak from a boat, train, or highway transportation,” the county said. Scaps Biosolids; Industry; Pipelines; Natural Gas; Mount St. Helens. and the movement of the ground. ”
“Complaints range from unpleasant odors to minor health concerns. All agencies continue to respond to the situation,” Cowlitz County EMS said.
Complaints of unpleasant odors vary, but are ‘very inconsistent’
Wind conditions were “unstable” in direction and speed until 6 p.m., according to Cowlitz County, as it gradually moved across the northern and northwest outer parts of the region from Longview toward Portland.
Multiple Cowlitz County authorities responded to odor complaints in the area due to the wind path starting Tuesday evening.
Cowlitz County EMS was working with both local and federal agencies to determine the cause of the odor. The National Weather Service has also taken an interest in the issue, mapping the path of “strange smells” on social media.
“By tracking the wind, we can estimate the path it would have taken. It briefly flowed around Vancouver, Washington, before turning south again around 4 a.m. and heading north again. I did.”
Cowlitz County EMS noted that odor identification was “unusually highly inconsistent.”
“The descriptions vary, including natural gas, propane, combustible garbage, combustible rubber, and ammonia. As of this briefing, complaints range from unpleasant odors to minor health concerns.”
No “unusual activity or readings” from Mount St. Helens
Cowlitz County EMS checked the Cascade Volcano Observatory to see if there was a connection between Mount St. Helens and the reported odor.
Some residents wonder if the odor is somehow related to Mount St. Helens or volcanic activity.
One user wrote: “People have been pointing out the smell of sulfur and I’m wondering if it’s volcanic in nature since the source is unknown at this time and it’s widely felt.” Yes,” the National Weather Service wrote in a post.
Another asked: “What happened to Mount St. Helens??” Someone @MtStHelensNVM It makes the most sense considering there is an earthquake going on. ”
However, the Cascade Volcano Observatory said there was “no unusual activity or measurements” of air quality and seismic activity from Mount St. Helens from Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon.
Residents took to social media to express their thoughts and feelings about the situation, writing in comments on X and Facebook that the smell was “strange” and “strong.” Others wondered how dangerous the odor really was and why authorities didn’t provide concrete answers about the odor and its source.