Odor advisory for Coachella Valley
Elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide triggered an odor advisory Sunday for the Coachella Valley.
The gas levels were detected near the Salton Sea, the 376-square-mile lake in Imperial County, which prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue the advisory, which will remain in effect until midnight.
The hourly average concentrations of hydrogen sulfide peaked Sunday at 36 parts per billion for one hour immediately downwind of the Salton Sea, the district reported.
The state standard for outdoor levels of hydrogen sulfide is 30 parts per billion averaged over one hour.
High levels of the gas are not expected today but district officials worried that if southeast winds occur, then areas in the Coachella Valley may briefly come across the odors.
The district monitors hydrogen sulfide levels near the Salton Sea and in Mecca. The breakdown of organic material by bacteria in the lake produces the gas, according to the district.
