Clarification: AQMD is Investigating Odor in Pass Area

CORRECTION: Patch previously reported the smell as coming from the Salton Sea. However, the South Coast AQMD has not been able to verify the Salton Sea as the source of foul odors reported this week in the Coachella Valley, according to a spokesman. AQMD has deployed field inspectors to the area this week in response to complaints from residents. Although the scent of the Salton Sea is commonly experienced in the fall and winter months, the Air Quality Management District has not attributed these odors to the Salton Sea.

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The Air Quality Management District is investigating the smells coming west that are being experienced throughout the Pass area.

The district lists the causes attributed to the decaying of the Salton Sea:

• The high salinity of the Salton Sea, which is caused by the salt influx from irrigation runoff (especially Selenium, a Sulfur-like element)
• The high evaporation rate
• lack of sea outlet
• Inflow of untreated water from Mexico through the New River
• Algae decomposition after a “planktonic boom”

Winds blowing from the east make the smell noticeable as far west as Calimesa.

The Salton Sea is located in Imperial County, about 80 miles from the Pass area.