Image: Lyn Topinka (USGS) — Public domainTacoma, Washington is known for many things, but one of its most notorious features is a persistent and unpleasant odor. This scent, commonly referred to as the "Aroma of Tacoma," has been described as reminiscent of rotten eggs. It doesn’t permeate the entire city, but is notably concentrated in the Tacoma tideflats, particularly along Interstate 5, where it greets motorists with a pungent welcome.
The term "Aroma of Tacoma" has been around since at least the early 1940s, but references to the city's aroma date back even further to 1901. Resident George Francis Train coined a cheer that included the phrase, solidifying its presence in local lore. The origins of this unfortunate scent are attributed to several sources, including sediment from Commencement Bay, emissions from the Simpson Tacoma Kraft pulp and paper mill, a rendering plant, and a nearby oil refinery. These factors have all contributed to the distinctive smell
In 1997, the odor became particularly unbearable after officials opened a sewage tank that had been sealed for 15 years during a humid spell. Efforts to mitigate the odor have seen some success. By the early 2000s, the installation of new combustion technologies at the pulp and paper mill reduced the smell, but it was never completely eliminated. The WestRock paper mill closed in September 2023.
Despite attempts to improve the situation, the Aroma of Tacoma has often been the butt of jokes among residents of Western Washington. Research indicated that this foul fragrance might have even contributed to a long-term decline in housing prices within the city. Notably, during a concert at the Tacoma Dome in the mid-1980s, Bruce Springsteen was reportedly so overwhelmed by the smell that he left town early. Health professionals have described the fumes as unhealthful, and the EPA linked the odor specifically to total reduced sulfur emitted by the nearby paper mill.
The presence of the Aroma has also seeped into popular culture. In the 1960s, a novelty single titled "The Aroma of Tacoma" was released, and a rugby tournament has been held under the same name since the 1970s. The Pacific Science Center even organized a symposium titled "The Science Behind Tacoma's Aroma" in 2011 to discuss the unique phenomenon. Even Frank Zappa referenced the aroma in a song, illustrating how embedded this oddity is in the city's identity.
The Aroma of Tacoma is not just a quirky characteristic but a reminder of the environmental challenges faced by urban areas. It has become a symbol, reflecting both local pride and a long history of industrial pollution that residents endure.
