HERE WE GO AGAIN - Odor And Blue Haze Falls On Kanawha Valley

(06/27/2008)
The state Division of Environmental Protection believes a foul smell and blue haze reported in western Kanawha County might be nothing out of the ordinary, calling it a "typical summer muggy day haze."

Calls started coming in to Metro 911 about the haze and smell about 9 a.m. yesterday, mostly from Institute and St. Albans.

Environmental crews responded to western Kanawha County.

Callers said the smell resembles chlorine, said Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.

A similar phenomenon was described by officials and Kanawha Valley residents this past January.

At that time, the origin of the heavy haze could not be detected.

Investigators came to believe the haze was produced by emissions from the John Amos Power Plant, across the Kanawha River from Poca.

At the time, Kanawha County emergency officials expressed frustration that they were unable to immediately ascertain the cause of the haze and odor.

They thought it might be dangerous, but had no way of knowing what it was.