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Carson City Council Meets To Discuss Foul Odor Impacting Residents

CARSON (CBSLA) - The Carson City Council held a special meeting Monday to talk about a foul odor that has been plaguing residents near the Dominguez Channel.

"It smells really terrible," said Ruth Sanchez, a Carson resident. "Like rotten eggs hitting your face."

The Los Angeles County Public Works Department, fire department, Department of Public Health, and the Air Quality Management District have been investigating the odor emanating from the channel at the intersection of South Avalon Boulevard.

"We're theorizing what's happening in the channel," said Mark Pestrella, director of the LA Department of Public Works "The water that's sitting in the channel now is sitting in amongst the vegetation in the channel and the vegetation is decaying. And the decay of the vegetation creates the release of hydrogen sulfide."

Initial indications suggested the odor, which has been emanating for about a week, was the result of organic material along the channel. On Friday, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes wrote on Facebook that the cause of the odor had been identified as "a hydrogen sulfide leaking pipeline," but by Sunday, she wrote that the leaking-pipeline theory "has been ruled out," saying investigators again were focusing on "organic waste material drying out after being exposed during low tide."

The Public Works Department recommended that residents near the Dominguez Channel keep doors and windows closed. Those who experience symptoms related to the odors are advised to contact their medical care provider. AQMD and Public Health officials have said, however, the odor does not pose a threat to public health.

The City Council convened its special remote meeting Monday on the city's website. The council discussed the smell and its "negative impacts on residents living within its close proximity."

To file an odor complaint or share more information, call 800-CUT-SMOG or 800-288-7664.

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