Investigators are saying there is no reason for residents to worry about harmful effects caused by the foul odor over Carson and other parts of the South Bay.
Residents have reported the mysterious and pungent odor for days, worried that they could be breathing something toxic. But teams with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and L.A. County Public Works said in a statement Thursday, that there are “no facility releases into the Dominguez Channel that would account for any harmful health concerns.”
Both believe that the hydrogen sulfide-like odor is coming from an “organic material” that is drying out after being left on the banks of the channel during low tide, but did not share what the material is.
Additionally, AQMD said all potential facility sources, including oil refineries in Carson and Wilmington, tank farms and waste treatment facilities, were evaluated and no releases were found - leading them to believe that the odor should be a harmless nuisance.
While investigators said there should be no health impacts, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes said she is prepared for a class-action lawsuit if an investigation finds that the odor is in fact harmful to residents.
“The odor being smelled is believed to be Hydrogen Sulfide. It is my understanding that prolonged exposure is harmful to humans,” the mayor said in a statement.
“My question to all involved agencies is what is the problem, what is being done to correct it, who is at fault and what is being done to prevent it from happening again?”
Anyone affected by the smell is encouraged to continue to file reports with AQMD by calling 1-800-288-7664. The agency said reports help investigators pinpoint the location of the odor.
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