Mysterious Gasoline Odor Plagues South Brooklyn for Nine Weeks

A pungent gasoline odor has been plaguing South Brooklyn for nine weeks, leaving residents frustrated and concerned about potential health impacts. The mysterious smell, which began in late August, has become a constant presence in neighborhoods like Sheepshead Bay, with authorities still unable to pinpoint its origin.

Residents report experiencing headaches and watery eyes, with some questioning the long-term health consequences of prolonged exposure. The odor appears to emanate from manhole covers and sewer catch basins, initially leading some to suspect leaks from nearby gas stations. However, the smell has since been reported in areas farther afield, including Coney Island and Manhattan Beach, complicating the investigation.

To help track the spread and intensity of the fumes, one resident created a self-reporting map, documenting complaints that are largely concentrated in Sheepshead Bay but extend beyond its borders. The severity of the smell fluctuates with wind conditions, but its persistence has become a significant quality-of-life issue.

Numerous city and state agencies, including National Grid, the FDNY, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), have been investigating the reports. National Grid has conducted gas leak tests, all of which returned negative results. The DEP has flushed sewers and performed air sampling, while the NYSDEC has examined spill reports, petroleum bulk storage sites, and gas stations. Despite these efforts, no definitive source has been identified.

“There is no definitive evidence at this time of the source of the odors,” a NYSDEC spokesperson told The Post. “Once found, DEC will hold the responsible party accountable for the impacts faced by the South Brooklyn community and the environment.”

In response to the ongoing issue, Councilmember Inna Vernikov has organized an interagency meeting to address the mystery. "I take quality of life issues very seriously and recognize the unknown can be very stressful for the community. We must get both: a fix and answers," Vernikov stated, expressing determination to find a resolution and hold any responsible parties accountable.