Associated Press
NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. — Some residents of the St. Paul suburb of New Brighton are worried about a strong, sweet swell that’s been wafting through their windows lately.
Neighbors of the Bell Lumber & Pole Co. say they first noticed the strange odor a couple of months ago. Some say it smells like blueberries and that it’s been strong enough to cause headaches and irritate nose and eyes.
Three state agencies are now involved. Officials with the Department of Health say the smell doesn’t pose a health threat.
Officials with Bell Lumber & Pole say the smell started after a chemical supplier sent them the wrong mix of chemicals to treat utility poles. They say the tests show the chemicals aren’t toxic; they just stink. Company officials tried to dilute the solution but say it’s too expensive to purge it from their tanks completely.
