Foul odor in Fountain Valley linked to golf course

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Fountain Valley residents have been dealing with a foul smell lingering around their homes for weeks.

"There is no way you can get rid of it. It permeates through the windows," complained resident Rachael Mendoza.

Residents didn't know the origin of the smell, but suspect the nearby golf course Mile Square Regional Park and its many ponds may be the cause.

Sam Atwood with South Coast Air Quality Management District received over 50 complaints, and after an investigation, inspectors were able to track down the source of the odor.

"The odor is coming from one of ponds in the golf course and the pond has started to grow algae and other material that causes sulfur compounds which give very foul, rotten egg type of odor," Atwood explained.

Atwood said the strong sulfur odor can have a short term health impact on individuals such as nausea and headaches.

"These are short lived and the symptoms go away when the odor dissipates," Atwood assured.

Scott Shaffin, the manager of the golf course, brought in an outside service company who has removed the algae and said the course was working to get rid of the odor.

Shaffin said the course spent over $20,000 to fix the problem.

"Just be patient, we're sorry for what's happened. We will get it fixed," Shaffin said.

Meanwhile, Fountain Valley residents said they were doubling up on air freshener and hope the problem was resolved soon.