The source of a foul odour that stank out Bairnsdale and surrounds on Tuesday remains a mystery.

Described as a ‘blood and bone’ odour or dynamic lifter-fertiliser smell, it is possible a local farmer has fertilised a nearby paddock.

East Gippsland Shire Council, East Gippsland Water, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning denied responsibility for the stench.

But when the Bairnsdale Advertiser contacted the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, the organisation had no record of any complaints.

A spokesman for the EPA said people could report pollution online at the EPA’s website or phone in.

There were plenty of comments posted on the shire’s Facebook page wondering what could be causing the unpleasant smell, however a spokeperson for the shire confirmed the smell had “no connection with the former or current landfill sites” and that its parks and gardens crew were not fertilising in Bairnsdale and surrounds on Tuesday.

A spokesman for East Gippsland Water also said the organisation’s works were not responsible.