Expect the Salton Sea 'Rotten Egg' Smell, Southland Air Quality Officials Warn

It's baaaaack. The infamous 'rotten egg' smell radiating from the Salton Sea.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, there are again elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide at the lake, which emit a smell similar to rotten eggs.

As of Wednesday morning, hourly concentration levels of the gas peaked at 48 parts per billion. The state standard is 30 parts per billion. The gas can mostly be smelled near the Sea, but officials warn that "... if southeasterly winds continue, additional areas in the Coachella Valley may also experience the odors."

"Since a similar weather pattern is expected to continue through this week, there may be periodic episodes with elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide," the agency said.

The corresponding odor advisory from the SCAQMD is in effect through Friday.

(Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone)