The Yallahs pond in St Thomas is suspected to be the cause of foul odour affecting sections of the Corporate Area, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) stated.

According to a release from the agency, the pond could be the source of the problem as the natural exchange between the sea appears to be disrupted due to blockage by sand and debris.

NEPA said the National Works Agency (NWA) has been asked to work on breaching the natural barrier between the Yallahs Pond and the sea, to allow currents to circulate and cause mixing of the pond water.

The agency said its investigative team will assess the impact of the opening to be done by the NWA to make a final determination on the problem. NEPA has conducted investigations, spanning Yallahs to Hunts Bay, including all communities from which complaints arose.

Investigators also visited possible sources such as industrial installations and major sewage-treatment plants along the Kingston Harbour. The investigative team included members of NEPA, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Ministry of Health and the National Water Commission.

NEPA said research has shown that a similar odour from the Yallahs Pond was reported in the Gleaner and the Daily Telegraph in 1903.