The Panama City Beach Utilities Department is currently conducting maintenance on an odor control unit at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, leading to an unpleasant smell in the surrounding areas like Back Beach Road and North Gulf Boulevard. The maintenance aims to ensure the continued effective operation of the unit, which utilizes biological microorganisms to remove hydrogen sulfide gas, the compound responsible for the foul odor. Although the odors may be unpleasant, they are clarified as not harmful to people or the environment. The system at the treatment plant treats the incoming gases composed mainly of hydrogen sulfide through a process involving plastic media balls that grow bacteria to treat the gas before releasing it back into the atmosphere. Albert Bock, the Wastewater Superintendent, explained the process and highlighted that the regrowth of microorganisms takes longer during winter. The City Utilities Department anticipates odor improvement within the next two weeks, with ongoing significant reduction in odor over time. For more information or inquiries about the odor control unit, individuals are encouraged to contact the City Utilities Department.