Plug your nose: Another Lake Erie 'burp' could happen this weekend, DEP officials say
Lake Erie could release another foul-smelling "burp" this weekend, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Officially called an upwelling event, the release of trapped gasses from the bottom of the lake is what DEP officials believe caused an acrid smell Sept. 25-26 that was noticed across the Erie area.
"These noxious gasses are likely to be released this weekend as a cold front crosses the lake and winds break summer stratification, allowing the top and bottom layers of the lake to mix," DEP spokesman Tom Decker said in an email.
What happens to Lake Erie during the summer?
Central Lake Erie often stratifies during the summer, with a warmer upper layer of water and a cooler lower layer. The two layers do not mix, and the lower level loses most of its oxygen by the end of summer, Decker said.
What was that smell?: DEP says it was likely Lake Erie 'burping' from water chemistry changes
What likely happened in September was a cold front cooled the top layer, allowing winds to break up the stratification. The gasses from the bottom, including hydrogen sulfide — known for smelling like rotten eggs — then escaped into the atmosphere.
"While the release does produce an odor, it is not harmful to people’s health," Decker said.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ETNBruce.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Lake Erie might 'burp' again this weekend, causing acrid smell
