Source of ghastly urine-flatulence combination stench boggles Albany officials

Chris Harris
·1 min read
Officials in Albany are searching for the source of an unknown stench -- that isn't coming from the legislature.
Officials in Albany are searching for the source of an unknown stench -- that isn't coming from the legislature.

Officials in Albany are searching for the source of an unknown stench — that isn’t coming from the legislature.

The foul odor — described as a ghastly combination of urine and flatulence — has been offending noses across the Capital Region since September.

The foul odor is described as a ghastly combination of urine and flatulence. facebook/ACWPD
The foul odor is described as a ghastly combination of urine and flatulence. facebook/ACWPD

The state Department of Environmental Conservation was recently enlisted to solve the malodorous mystery.

The aroma’s intensity seems to vary depending on the weather and seems to linger throughout the North Albany neighborhood around the Interstate 787 and Interstate 90 interchange.

“Unsurprisingly, we all seem to be downwind from the Capital,” quipped Councilman Joe Borelli, the Republican minority leader from Staten Island. Brigitte Stelzer
“Unsurprisingly, we all seem to be downwind from the Capital,” quipped Councilman Joe Borelli, the Republican minority leader from Staten Island. Brigitte Stelzer
Common Councilmember Kelly Kimbrough called the odor “rancid,” and said “part of the problem” in finding the source is that “it’s not constant. It comes and goes.” albanyny.gov
Common Councilmember Kelly Kimbrough called the odor “rancid,” and said “part of the problem” in finding the source is that “it’s not constant. It comes and goes.” albanyny.gov

“Unsurprisingly, we all seem to be downwind from the Capital,” quipped Councilman Joe Borelli, the Republican minority leader from Staten Island.

The DEC is asking residents to report any “unfamiliar and unpleasant” odors to its Divisions of Air and Water.

The chief suspects are a nearby composting facility, low tide from nearby lakes or the Hudson River, and the county’s water purification and sewage treatment plant, which is less than a mile from the North Albany neighborhood.