A familiar industrial smell has returned to Malmö's streets, bringing back memories of a two-year odor investigation. Residents describe the scent as a mix of oil, tar, burned rubber and diesel. The smell first appeared in 2021 and 2022, prompting thousands of complaints to city officials.
Environmental inspectors launched an investigation using cycling teams who tried to sniff out the source. Nearly 4,000 Malmö residents participated in the search through a special reporting form. The investigation identified the source in 2023 as bitumen, a binding agent used in asphalt production and other industrial processes.
Companies in the oil port implemented measures that eliminated the odor. Now the smell has returned due to maintenance work at Inter Terminals, a fuel and chemical storage company. The company previously installed carbon filters that worked effectively, making this recurrence temporary according to officials.
Environmental inspector Håkan Karlström confirmed the situation is short-term. There is no evidence suggesting the smell poses health risks to Malmö residents. The company expects to resolve the odor problems by early February.
Anna Hajdinjak, environmental manager at Inter Terminals, stated in an email that they have developed a solution. The necessary equipment has been ordered, but delivery and installation will take several weeks. Installation will begin as soon as possible.
This situation highlights the challenges of balancing industrial operations with urban living in Sweden's third-largest city. Malmö has transformed from an industrial hub to a diverse modern city, yet remains home to significant port activities. The temporary odor issue demonstrates how historical industrial infrastructure continues to interact with residential areas.
Environmental monitoring has become increasingly sophisticated in Swedish cities. Malmö's system of cycling inspectors and public reporting forms represents modern approaches to urban environmental management. The quick identification of bitumen as the source shows how investigation methods have improved.
The return of the smell during maintenance work raises questions about preventive measures. While companies have pollution control systems, maintenance periods can create temporary gaps in protection. This pattern appears common in industrial areas transitioning to mixed-use urban neighborhoods.
Sweden's environmental regulations require companies to minimize impacts on surrounding communities. The quick response from both the company and environmental authorities reflects Sweden's strong regulatory framework. Residents can expect regular updates until the situation resolves completely.