Sen. Boxer Pushes For Speedy Investigation Into Mecca Smell
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) urged the Environmental Protection Agency to complete its investigation into a strange smell in the eastern Coachella Valley that has sickened hundreds of people over the last six months.
The odor comes on suddenly, according to some teachers at Saul Martinez Elementary School in Mecca.
READ: Sen. Barbara Boxer’s Letter To the EPA
Mecca has been particularly hard-hit by the smell, which caused the California Highway Patrol to shut down a portion of Highway 111 near the Salton Sea at one point.
In her letter to the EPA, Boxer wrote: “Overpowering odors in Mecca have sickened scores or people, including students and teachers at Saul Martinez Elementary School. According to news reports, the smell is so strong that it has forced students to stay inside during recess.
“Hundreds of area residents have lodged complaints with state regulators and have attended town hall meetings with state and area officials to voice their concerns and to ask for this problem to be addressed. I have attached to this letter some of the recent news reports for your review.”
Boxer ended her letter urging the EPA to take immediate action to find the source of the odor and protect area residents.
“The EPA must take prompt action to protect the children and families in this community. Parents should not fear for their children’s safety simply because they are breathing the air. I know that you share my belief in our important mission to protect our children. Please let me know in detail what immediate steps EPA will be taking — because this situation is intolerable.”
