Odour expert investigates source of mysterious smell plaguing town for months

A peculiar mystery has unfolded in the charming town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, nestled in the heart of Western Australia.

Residents have been wrinkling their noses at an unwelcome visitor for the past year and a half.

This persistent and mysterious odour has been wafting through parts of the town, leaving locals puzzled and seeking answers.


The enigmatic scent has been the talk of the town, with community members speculating about its origins.

Could it be the remnants of mining operations, a byproduct of waste management facilities, or something more unusual?


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An odour expert has been summoned to investigate a mysterious smell in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Credit: Facebook


Despite the council's best efforts, the source of the smell has remained elusive, leading to the decision to call in a specialist with a very particular set of skills.

Enter Philippe Najean, the odour expert with a nose that's nothing short of extraordinary.

With nearly a quarter-century of experience in the olfactory industry, Najean has been appointed to sniff out the truth behind Kalgoorlie-Boulder's aromatic anomaly.


His mission is to identify the scent that has been the cause of much consternation among the townsfolk.

'I've been here since Sunday and, before coming, I've tried to identify possible sources of odours from the various activities around coming from mining, waste management facilities, all the types of facilities where you can have some emissions of odours,' Najean explained.

His investigation has led him to detect a cocktail of odours, including exhaust fumes, stale water, sewage, and hydrocarbons.

Najean's challenge is to pinpoint which of these scents is the primary culprit, the one troubling the residents who have raised their concerns.

What sets Najean apart is his unique tool of the trade—his calibrated nose.


Unlike typical instruments used in environmental assessments, Najean's nose undergoes rigorous calibration every six to twelve months at an olfactometry laboratory, ensuring that his sense of smell is as sharp and accurate as possible.

'My main equipment is my nose because that's the best equipment you have to measure odours,' he confidently stated.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, under the leadership of Mayor Glenn Wilson, has taken this issue seriously.

Determined to restore the town's fresh air, Mayor Wilson has tasked Najean with the job as part of an ongoing effort to identify and, hopefully, eliminate the source of the smell.


'The City is committed to ensuring that no one should feel constrained within their home due to persistent odours, which is why we've engaged an independent specialist to conduct a comprehensive assessment and bring these findings to Council,' Mayor Wilson said.

While some have suggested that the city's wastewater plant might be the source, Mayor Wilson has dismissed these claims, noting that the facility meets all regulatory standards and is constantly monitored.
Key Takeaways
  • An odour expert has been summoned to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to investigate a persistent and mysterious smell afflicting the town.
  • Residents have complained about the odour for 18 months, but despite council efforts, the source has yet to be identified.
  • Philippe Najean, an odour consultant with nearly 24 years of experience, used his calibrated nose to determine the smell's origin.
  • The Mayor of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has assured residents that the investigation aims to solve the problem and improve the quality of life within the community.
Have you ever encountered a mysterious smell in your area? How was it resolved? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
 
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Our son is a butcher but never knew where to locate our laundry. One day during a heat wave, an indescribable smell and in absolute despair I raided his bedroom only to locate piles of butcher style dirty clothing on the floor and maggots in the carpet. 😫😫🫣🫣🤢🤢. So pleased when he moved out!!
 
Our son is a butcher but never knew where to locate our laundry. One day during a heat wave, an indescribable smell and in absolute despair I raided his bedroom only to locate piles of butcher style dirty clothing on the floor and maggots in the carpet. 😫😫🫣🫣🤢🤢. So pleased when he moved out!!
😳oh yukky 🤢
 
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He’s married now, has five kids, and is still a butcher. The difference between then and now? His wife is more intimidating than his mother ever was 🤣🤣
My first ex worked in a chicken factory for a stint building cool rooms, I used to make him strip off all his clothes and then he had to hose himself down before he could step one foot in the house.The smell was abhorrent and he even had his own old outside washing machine to clean his clothes.🤢
 
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Reactions: Ivory and mOiOz
This is not a new story, I lived in Kalgoorlie Boulder over 30 years ago and there was always a distinct odor about the town, a cross between sulpher and rotten meat, most of the residents were used to it, after all it was an old and very large mining town I know that the town council tried all sorts of ways to mitigate the smell but it still remained as far as I know none of the interventions worked and it is possibly the same smell that is concerning the residents now, obviously their noses are a little more precious than ours were then!
 
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This is not a new story, I lived in Kalgoorlie Boulder over 30 years ago and there was always a distinct odor about the town, a cross between sulpher and rotten meat, most of the residents were used to it, after all it was an old and very large mining town I know that the town council tried all sorts of ways to mitigate the smell but it still remained as far as I know none of the interventions worked and it is possibly the same smell that is concerning the residents now, obviously their noses are a little more precious than ours were then!
My brother-in-law used to live and work there, I thought the smell left when he did, he probably sold his share back, he's like that.
 
Our son is a butcher but never knew where to locate our laundry. One day during a heat wave, an indescribable smell and in absolute despair I raided his bedroom only to locate piles of butcher style dirty clothing on the floor and maggots in the carpet. 😫😫🫣🫣🤢🤢. So pleased when he moved out!!
You can only do so much ... then give them a boot in the butt. He saved you the trouble. That was an offence to humanity.
My oldest was not a butcher, but needed a roadmap to locate the laundry shute. Why do youngsters stink so much without realising it?
Anyhow, I solved the smell problem by hiring a caravan, moving his stuff into it then moving him into it. He was banned from the use of more than one towel a day, and, if he didn't return it the linen service was stopped immediately.
In the end, he got to love being in that van, and even took over the rental on it. His version of independence I suppose.
He is in his 50's now and never smells, unless he cuts the cheese when he thinks nobody is nearby. Also, he is what most would call a good bloke. There is always hope Ivory.
 
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