With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Local Emergency Declared In Carson As Foul Odor Continues To Linger
The Dominguez Gap in North Long Beach, which the Dominguez Channel feeds into.
(
Sharon McNary
/
LAist
)
The City of Carson has declared a local emergency in an effort to get more resources from the state and county to stop the noxious scent that is reportedly making residents of the area feel ill.
The smell, which is centered around the Dominguez Channel, has improved slightly since it was first reported several weeks ago. Officials say they've made some progress in reducing the hydrogen sulfide cited as the cause.
“Our readings show that we're moving it down, but I know that it continues to occur at a level that is a nuisance to the community,” said L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella.
Workers began using oxygen bubbler and spraying a natural water-based deodorizer two weeks ago to stop the plant digestion that’s causing the stench, as well as shining lights at night to kill bacteria.
Support for LAist comes from
Public Works officials may also remove decomposed vegetation and other pollutants that have built up in the channel, but according to Pestrella, that process is time-consuming and requires advance planning.
Pestrella did not comment on a lawsuit filed by Carson residents last Thursday, alleging debris from a nearby warehouse fire caused the smell. He said Public Works is investigating whether chemicals from other sources contributed to the smell, but wouldn't specify these locations.
Last week, the odor prompted L.A. County Public Health officials to recommend that residents avoid prolonged outdoor activity between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Air quality officials determined that while the odor does exceed state nuisance levels, it is not imminently dangerous.
The foul smell has been traced to vegetation in the Dominguez Channel. Without oxygen, the dense vegetation decomposes and emits hydrogen sulfide, which many residents liken to the smell of rotten eggs.
Last week, L.A. County Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to create a relief program for residents affected by the stench.
Those eligible must:
- Live in Carson, West Carson, or the surrounding vicinity
- Be experiencing odors inside your home
- Be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms as a result of the odors emanating from the Dominguez Channel: headaches and irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
That county is offering three reimbursement options:
Support for LAist comes from
Option 1: For homes with heating and air conditioning systems, the County will reimburse households for filter inserts for those systems that are HEPA rated with activated carbon or other filters recommended by the County Department of Public Health. The limit of reimbursement will be $60 per unit per household.
Option 2: The County will reimburse households for air purifiers units if they don't already have them. The limit of reimbursement is
$400 per household for homes 1,000 square feet or smaller and a $800 per household for homes above 1,000 square feet.
Option 3: The County will reimburse the household for one hotel room in Los Angeles County, up to $182 per day, and hotel self-parking for one vehicle per day. Meals, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses will also be reimbursed at the rate of $66 per day for each person currently residing full time in the household who have been relocated to the hotel.
The relief program is retroactively effective as of Oct. 4.
Pestrella urged people to file a reimbursement claim or call 2-1-1 if they need more help.
"We'd like you to advise as to whether or not you can afford the reimbursement program or if in fact, you need us to actually deliver mitigation to you directly," he said.
Updated October 25, 2021 at 11:54 AM PDT
This story was updated to reflect the City of Carson declaring a national emergency.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist