By Admin. Updated 10:37 p.m., Sunday, 11 May 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Some residents and workers in the West St. George community of Arnos Vale report that they have recently been affected by a strong odour, which they believe is emanating from the Warrawarrow River.
Several individuals, who have requested anonymity, state that the smell is fuel-related; some describe it as resembling diesel, while others say it smells like petrol.
“It gives an instant headache and burning eyes,” one Arnos Vale resident told One News SVG on Sunday, adding, “it fills my entire house.”
The individual said that the odour has been present for several days, with the most recent occurrence on Sunday, 11 May, between 11 a.m. and 12 noon.
“Last week was the first time I woke up in the night to the scent,” the individual said.
Another person, who contacted us about the issue on 9 May and also wished to remain anonymous, described the odour as “overwhelming” and said, “the stench of diesel coming from the river has been affecting the community.”
“This afternoon, the colour of the river was visibly discoloured and the incredible stench of diesel has been coming from the river for over an hour,” the individual said on 9 May.
The person added that the smell was so strong it entered a building that was completely closed and air-conditioned, causing headaches and itchy throats among the occupants.
“This happened before, a few weeks ago, but the smell did not last as long,” the individual said.
On Sunday, One News SVG made a post about the issue on our Facebook page, which attracted several comments.
One commentator said, “It smells like gas. I thought it was my vehicle leaking while I was driving.” Another said, “There is, in fact, a smell of gas around the entrance at queens drive [sic],” referring to the West St. George community of Queens Drive.
The source of the odour is currently unknown. We are investigating the matter.
One News SVG 