Months into investigation, source of Morganton odors remains mystery

Nearly five months into an ongoing state investigation, officials still have not identified the source of odors reported in parts of Morganton, including the Rand Street area and frequently blamed on the Case Farms chicken processing plant.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality began investigating in early January after complaints described a strong “fecal” smell near Rand Street. Since then, an additional complaint has been reported near Mountain View Elementary School on Bouchelle Street, according to DAQ Public Information Officer Shawn Taylor.

So far, investigators have only been able to document the odor once in-person in the Rand Street area but have not been able to determine its source.

“We are asking complainants who notice odors to keep a log of the odors, noting time, location, and intensity,” Taylor said. “This information can help us narrow down potential contributing sources.”

DAQ officials say they are continuing to coordinate with complainants in hopes of being present when odors are strongest. Complaints list odors as most prevalent in the afternoon or evening, according to Taylor.

As part of the investigation, the City of Morganton’s sewer system was also considered as a potential contributor after reports of small overflows earlier this year. However, investigators were not able to confirm whether the overflows played a role in the smell. Even if they did, municipal wastewater infrastructure is exempt from state air quality odor rules, Taylor noted.

Under state regulations, non-exempt facilities can be required to use the strongest practical odor controls if emissions create off-site odor problems. The rules prohibit facilities from allowing odors to leave their property if they interfere with nearby residents.

To determine whether an odor meets that threshold, investigators use a device called a Nasal Ranger Field Olfactometer, which measures odor concentration by diluting air samples with purified air. If an odor is still detectable at certain dilution levels, it may be considered objectionable under state standards.

As defined by the state, objectionable odors “may be harmful or injurious to human health or welfare or may unreasonably interfere with the comfortable use and enjoyment of life or property.”

The Rand Street area has seen odor-related complaints before. State records show 12 investigations between 2013 and 2022, though no complaints were investigated again until this year.

Meanwhile, Case Farms is expanding its Morganton facility. The project includes a new chicken breast processing facility with a critical air processing unit. The unit includes filters and a clean-up cycle for odor control, according to Joseph Fullwood of RFW Construction Group, which is handling the project. Case Farms staff did not return requests for comment.

Anyone experiencing strong odors is encouraged to call the Division of Air Quality’s Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500.