EVERETT – The rotten-egg odor blowing across a large section of north Everett since Wednesday has been traced to its source, officials said Friday.
Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases are being emitted from liquid stored at Kimberly Clark’s pulp mill on the Everett waterfront.
No injuries have been reported, although people have said the smell has been bad enough to make them gag.
While the release does cause a strong smell, which has been detected east of Broadway, company officials say it does not pose a health risk.
Christine Kurtz, environmental manager for the plant, said test results for the chemicals in the air do not exceed permissible levels.
Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer for the Snohomish Health District said that the low levels of hydrogen sulfide in the surrounding neighborhoods should not pose a problem to anyone’s health.
“Some people are sensitive to these sulfate compounds,” he said. “If they feel ill, they should leave the area and go where there’s no odor.”
After talking with a toxicologist at the state Department of Ecology, Goldbaum said that the odors should begin clearing up by later today.
Hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, according to the state Department of Health. It also can cause headaches and nausea.
Merley McCall, with the state Department of Ecology’s industrial division, which regulates chemical pulp mills, said his agency is relying on the company’s monitoring to determine whether the emissions are in compliance with state rules.
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