SALTON SEA – (INT) – The Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is upgrading and expanding the monitoring and notification system for odors emanating from the Salton Sea.

“Odors from the Salton Sea have long affected communities in the Coachella Valley,” said Ben J. Benoit, Chairman of the South Coast AQMD Governing Board.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been a particular nuisance the past eight years. In 2017, a public alert system was developed to provide notifications when outdoor levels of hydrogen sulfide reach 30 parts per billion (ppb), averaged over one hour.

Upgrades of a new, automated system will be used to notify subscribers when H2S levels exceed the state odor nuisance standard. Those who sign up online will receive real-time notifications via email. In addition, the South Coast AQMD will add up to three additional H2S monitors in the area.

Story Date: May 21, 2021