BaltimoreS Inner harbor โPlagued by Noxiousโ Odor,Experts Say Seasonal Algae Bloom to Blame
BALTIMORE – A strong,unpleasant odor described as smelling like rotten โeggs is impacting residents and โขvisitors near baltimore’s โInner harbor,but environmentalโค officials say theโ phenomenon is a recurring,seasonal event. The Maryland Department ofโ the Environment (MDE) confirmed low dissolved oxygen levels in the harbor, likely stemming fromโ the natural die-off โof algae, and currentlyโข does โnot believeโ pollution is a โฃcontributing factor.
The smell, frist reported Thursday with water appearing green, has prompted complaints from those living and workingโค along the waterfront. Last week, the MDE โขestimated approximately 25,000 โฃmenhaden fish had died in โthe harbor between canton and Locust Point โคdue to the low oxygen levels. While unpleasant, experts say these seasonal die-offs are not uncommon, though the intensity of this year’s event has drawn attention. The odor is expected โขtoโ persist until aโ notable rainfall or weather front arrives โto replenish โฃoxygen levels in the water.
Residents have โคexpressed concern over the impact on Baltimore‘s image as a โคtourist destination. “I feelโฃ a little ashamed, honestly,” said Emily Ward of Remington. “I love Baltimore, and I love people being excited about Baltimore, and it’s kind ofโข embarrassingโค that tourists are subjected to this.” Isabella Chilcoat of Fells Point described the smell as โ”acute and disgusting,” noting it permeated her home before she traced it to the harbor. โ
The National Aquarium has proposed a long-term solution toโ improve โคwater circulation: raising the โharbor floor. This would facilitate a greater flow of water in and out, potentially mitigating futureโข oxygen depletion events.
Taraโฃ Lynch of CBS News contributed to this report.