Stinky seaweed stench persists

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- The search carries on in Stonington to find more details on the stinky seaweed situation that's plaguing the borough.

A UConn biologist is the latest to look at the stinky situation in Stonington.

News 8 talked to Jamie Vaudrey, Ph.D. from UConn, who explained the smell is coming from bacteria breaking down the seaweed which is collecting in the Ash Street inlet.

"They release the hydrogen sulfide gas and that's the sulfur smell that you get in the air," he explained.

News 8 dug a little deeper into this muddy mess. The First Selectman Ed Haberek tells News 8 that the town is looking for immediate and long-term solutions.

"Especially when it rises to a public health issue, we need to be effective in trying to treat this," he said.

The decaying seaweed is a problem and as you go toward the water, it's more of an algae issue. In any case Haberek says when the water comes in it creates a stinky soupy mess.

Last year truckloads of seaweed were removed; an effort that cost the borough about $20,000.

"Should the town really be spending money for this small area," News 8's Tina Detelj asked.

"Yeah, what usually happens is this area is impacted greatly," Haberek said. "A lot of times especially when the wind comes that some other areas are impacted too."

The same seaweed has also washed up on a nearby causeway.

"...it's killing all the little crabs because they're all in the seaweed," a woman said, "They're actually dying."

Those who aren't affected don't seem to think the town needs to get involved.

"Give me a break. Come on. Ridiculous," one man shouted.