"It started in NJ - no kidding." Maybe it's from the refineries in Secaucus, NJ. If the wind was blowing the right direction, it could effect a large portion of Manhattan.
The refineries in northern New Jersey are in the Linden/Elizabeth area. Secaucus has many outlet stores but no refineries. Although some years ago, there were many hog farms and slaughterhouses in Secaucus and that smelled like, well.....a pig pen.
There are no refineries in Seacaucus.