Authorities search for source of mystery smell in Riga sewage wells

RIGA - Authorities in Riga are working to find the source of a mysterious smell wafting from sewage wells in the Latvian capital, LETA was told at the State Fire and Rescue Service.

The smell of an unknown substance coming from the sewage wells in the territory from Zilupe Street to Dzirkalu Street was reported on Thursday afternoon.

Rescuers in cooperation with other emergency services and representatives of the Riga Civil Protection Commission, started a search for the source of the odor. An armed forces unit for the protection against weapons of mass destruction was involved in taking samples from the sewage wells and sending them for laboratory tests, as well as carrying out an air quality test.

According to the State Fire and Rescue Service, the tests showed that the concentration of the substance in the air was not high enough to pose danger to human health. The intensity of the smell did not increase either.

Initially, the the State Fire and Rescue Service said that the samples from the sewage wells would be delivered to the State Environmental Service, but LETA found out that they have been sent to Rigas Udens municipal water utility.

Rigas Udens spokesman Sandris Vanzovics told LETA that the company today received the samples of the smelly substances, which were sent to the lab for testing. Information on what substances have leaked into the sewers could be expected later today.

According to the spokesman, Rigas Udens takes this situation very seriously, as such cases can result in great losses, which is why the situation will be carefully investigated to determine the origin of the substances.

Two hypotheses are currently being examined: either there has been an unauthorized connection to the sewerage network, or there was a technological accident at a company in which hazardous substances leaked into the sewers.

The company's representative called on residents to report to Rigas Udenis if they notice vehicles without the water company's symbols being connected to the sewerage network. Such cases could have dangerous consequences, the company warned.