Something smells: Gas-Like Odor in the Neighborhood

Do you smell that? 

If you were out and about in Chelsea, East Boston, or Winthrop on Wednesday, you might have noticed something…off. A pungent gas-like odor wafted through the air, prompting a flurry of calls to local fire departments and leaving residents scratching their heads. But where exactly is this mysterious smell coming from? That’s the question that has officials and locals sniffing for answers.

Residents were quick to voice their concerns about the potential risks, noting that the smell was impossible to miss and far from fresh, clean air.

The smell’s suspected origin? Initially, fingers pointed to the 100-year-old former Exxon facility on Beacham Street in Everett. The nearly 100-acre tank farm has been undergoing remediation as part of a redevelopment project by Boston-based real estate firm The Davis Companies, in partnership with Global Partners. The site’s history of fossil fuel storage and ongoing cleanup efforts have occasionally sent unpleasant aromas drifting into nearby neighborhoods.

However, Everett Fire Chief Joe Hickey says, not so fast. “At times when they do disrupt the soil, there is some type of odor,” Hickey acknowledged. But he was quick to clarify, “We don’t have any readings, and we do have a detail on this site. We haven’t had any odors.” So, for now, the Exxon site seems to be off the hook.

Adding to the intrigue, a joint statement from The Davis Companies and Global Partners noted that periodic odors during remediation are expected but assured the community that these smells pose no threat. “Public safety is our top priority, and we continue to work closely with city and state officials to adhere to all proper monitoring procedures on-site,” the statement read. Reassuring? Maybe. Definitive? Not quite.

With no clear answers, residents across Chelsea, East Boston, and Winthrop are left wondering what’s stinking up their neighborhoods. Could it be an unrelated gas leak? A natural phenomenon? Or another industrial culprit yet to be identified?

For now, the mystery lingers in the air, along with that unmistakable smell. Officials continue to investigate, but one thing’s for sure: the community is keeping their noses on high alert. If you catch a whiff, don’t hold your breath—report it. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to matters of public health and safety.