BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Residents in northern Whatcom County are complaining about a pungent smell near Birch Bay.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue says it was alerted to a strong oil odor coming from the BP Cherry Point Refinery on the morning of Sunday, March 16.

Seth Preston with the Northwest Clean Air Agency adds that the agency received roughly 70 complaints about the smell from Saturday through Monday morning.

He adds that several people reported smelling a “strong burning oil” odor.

Preston says the agency sent out inspectors to Birch Bay on Monday morning who say the smell is now under control.

BP has not yet responded to My Bellingham Now for comment.