Environmental testing results of floodwaters near dump site to take up to 10 days
County officials provided a timeline for when the results of testing of potentially contaminated rainwater near mobile home parks in the East Valley will be released.
On Tuesday, Riverside County proclaimed a local emergency in response to the breach of the retaining berm at the Lawson Dump Site on Torres Martinez tribal land near Thermal.
The area was hit hard by a storm that struck the Coachella Valley on Friday. Flooding was reported across the Coachella Valley, but in particular Mecca, Coachella, Thermal, and North Shore. Three mobile home parks in Thermal and near the Lawson Dump are flooded with water and other unknown materials.
Riverside County Environmental Health Department crews were out Tuesday to take samples of the flooded areas to determine if there are any toxic materials. Officials noted which was the earliest the department could collect the prepared test sample kits from the laboratory.
County officials said on Thursday that the results of environmental testing are expected to take up to 10 days.
"Earlier estimates for the results were two days, however, the specialized testing required will extend the timeframe for the results," reads a news release by the county.
The specialized testing is at the direction of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
"The county has committed significant resources to the community of Thermal to recover from this terrible flooding,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District. “The community and the county alike want answers to what is in the water. After contacting multiple laboratories, ten days is the fastest turnaround time for this specific testing. In the meantime, I urge all residents in the area to follow safety precautions.”
The San Jose Mobile Home Park, Vargas Mobile Home Park and Gamez Mobile Home Park have been under an evacuation warning since Saturday, Sept. 2. A shelter is available for residents at the Galilee Center in Mecca.
Evacuated residents will be provided with a safe place to stay, meals, and services.
Officials urge all residents in the area to avoid contact with rainwater and runoff until further notice. Results of the rainwater testing will determine if additional precautions are necessary.
If anyone is feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms, they are urged to contact their doctor or visit a local health clinic.
The County Transportation Department has restored vehicle access to flooded, damaged or washed-out roads. As of yesterday, Sept. 6, vehicle access has been restored for all three mobile home parks.
Current road closures that remain in the area are:
- Fillmore Street in Thermal, bridge closure at 52nd Ave.
- Johnson Street in Oasis, from Avenue 81 to Avenue 82
- Van Buren Street in Vista Santa Rosa, from Avenue 66 to Avenue 62
In addition, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is conducting surveillance in the area and will provide mosquito control treatments this week.
As additional information is available, it will be posted on social media. Follow RivCoNow and RivCoReady on social media for the latest information
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
