Rotten Eggs? No, That's Just the Salton Sea... Again: ODOR ADVISORY

Just when you thought you were in the clear for a breath of fresh air... think again. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued another odor advisory for the region, effective Monday through Wednesday.

According to the SCAQMD, there are again elevated levels of a gas that smells like rotten eggs at the Salton Sea. Hydrogen sulfide, which is associated with "natural process" at the large lake is to blame, the agency says.

"Hourly average concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) peaked in the morning of August 1 at 103 parts per billion immediately downwind of the Salton Sea – at a monitor close to the shore, in a sparsely populated area," the agency said. "The monitor in Mecca, a more populated community further downwind, reached 68 parts per billion."

The state standard for the gas is 30 parts per billion, at which level some people may experience headaches or nausea. However, the symptoms are temporary and do not cause long-term health effects, according to the AQMD.

The agency said if southeasterly winds continue, the smell will likely carry through the Coachella Valley and beyond.

"Since a similar weather pattern is expected to continue through Wednesday, August 3, there may be periodic episodes of elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide during that time," the agency said.

(Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone)