Blaine: What’s that smell?

BLAINE, Wash. — The City of Blaine has been fielding a lot of calls regarding a pungent smell down by the harbor recently.

When temperatures rise, the City handles a lot of complaints about a rotten egg smell that’s particularly ripe around the harbor area.

City officials say the smell is perfectly natural and is caused by the algae and purple sulfur bacteria coating the Drayton Harbor tide flats.

While not harmful, some people may experience mild symptoms from too much exposure.

Officials recommend avoiding the area if you find the smell offensive or if you have any symptoms.