MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Multiple members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in Skagit County have reported burning throats and headaches after flaring at a nearby refinery released an intoxicating odor on Tuesday.
The Skagit Valley Herald reported that Swinomish Police Lt. Earl Cowan said the residents made several calls to the department reporting physical reactions and smells ranging from rotten eggs to burning rubber at the refinery owned by Shell.
The company later apologized.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency enforces air quality regulations in the region and is investigating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was also contacted.