Resident relieved smell source has been identified

EIGHT MILE, Ala. (WALA) - An attorney for residents of Eight Mile said his clients are owned compensation for the damages they’ve sustained from the smell in their community.

"What is it worth to live in the stinkiest environment in the world? You and to have your children sick and have a skin rash and breathing problems, vomiting for nine months. I don't know what's that's worth. A jury will decide what it's worth,” said Attorney Rick Courtney.

Courtney represents several people in the Eight Mile Community who are suing Mobile Gas.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has determined the source of the mercaptan is coming from a distribution pipeline by Mobile Gas.

 It says the odor is from mercaptan in the soil and the ground water.

Courtney represents Carolyn Gandy in Eight Mile. She said she can't escape the smell. In the comfort of her own home, the smell is overwhelming.

" If you don't use the fan, you'll wake up. Your head is hurting so bad your eyes burning so bad you can't hardly find your way to the bathroom,” said Gandy.

Eight Mile residents have been complaining about the smell a rotten-egg like smell for a about eight months.

Gandy talked about the thing she wants from the lawsuit.

"Do something about it real fast because there's a lot people sick behind it. Not just me; it's a lot of people sick,” said Gandy.

Thursday, Courtney met with about 12 people in Eight Mile. He said every one of them is suffering from health problems.

“They are on medications. The doctors are telling them to move from their environment, sick babies, 14-month (babies), year old babies, that have constant vomiting and acid reflux,” said Courtney.

Courtney said he and Mobile Gas Attorneys appeared in court Friday.

"They responded by filing six or eight different motions to dismiss the case, and they argued them saying it’s not their fault  an "act of God." They are trying to blame it on God now,” said Courtney.

FOX10 called a representative for Mobile Gas to see what happened in court and they were unavailable.

In a statement Wednesday, Mobile Gas wrote:

"Regardless of who is responsible, Mobile Gas is developing potential plans to address the odor."

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management said in a press release, the clean up process will be a long term effort.