Coachella Valley Smells Like Rotten Eggs Today ... Here's Why

INDIO, CA -- The odor of rotten eggs will drift through the Coachella Valley today as a result of elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide gas emanating from the Salton Sea, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management
District.

Concentrations of the gas peaked last night at 45 parts per billion at a monitoring station downwind of the Salton Sea, but dipped below the state standard of 30 parts per billion this morning, according to the AQMD.

Southeasterly winds were expected to carry the foul odors into parts of the region today, prompting AQMD to issue an Odor Advisory.

A second AQMD monitoring station in Mecca did not detect hydrogen sulfide levels above 30 parts per billion, at which level some people may experience headaches or nausea.

However, these symptoms are temporary and do not cause long-term health effects, according to the AQMD.

Officials say that Salton Sea odors are likely to increase in the summer months, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.

The advisory will expire at midnight tonight.

• Also see: Hang On: Wind Advisory Issued For Parts Of Riverside County

--City News Service/Patch file photo