(Oct. 9, 2021, 3:45 p.m.) -- The L.A.County Department of Public Health issued a release this afternoon (Oct. 9) it titled "Public Health Air Monitoring of Foul Odors in City of Carson Show Very Low Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide." The release says the County Public Health air monitoring over the past two days found "very low levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air (0.4-0.9 ppm) east of the Dominguez Channel" and said their investigation "ruled out a point source or permitted business as the source of the odor."

[LA County Public Health Oct. 9 release text.] The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) and Public Works are investigating odors reported in the City of Carson. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) notified Public Health of an odor event in Carson late Thursday afternoon and advised that their investigation ruled out a point source or permitted business as the source of the odor.

Public Health conducted air monitoring over the last two days and found very low levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air (0.4-0.9 ppm) east of the Dominguez Channel. At these low levels, hydrogen sulfide does not have long-term health effects, but does cause nuisance odors that may cause short-term symptoms and impact quality of life. Some residents may experience temporary symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or eye, nose, and throat irritation. Symptoms should go away when the odors are no longer present.

If residents are experiencing persistent symptoms from the odors, they are encouraged to contact their health care providers, especially if they have any chronic health conditions. Residents should also ensure that they have adequate supplies of their medications, especially if they have heart or lung conditions.

Local officials are continuing to work to identify the source of the odor, however until the odor event subsides, Public Health recommends preventing outdoor odors from entering the home by keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible while odors are present. Public Health also recommends using an air conditioner, if available. Residents can also use a portable indoor air filter such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cleaner to improve air quality in their home. For more information on certified air filters, visit https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices.

In addition, residents should continue to call AQMD to report odors. 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7644).

For advice on protective measures to prevent odors from entering the home, please leave a message on the Public Health Community line 1-626-430-9821, which will be checked every hour between 7am to 10pm.

SCAQMD initially issued a media release (Oct. 8) contending the stench was due to the natural decay of organic materials in the Dominguez Channel.

But on her Facebook page on Friday afternoon (Oct 8), Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes stated that the cause and location "have been identified" as a Hydrogen Sulfide leaking pipeline." Mayor Davis-Holmes didn't say who identified the odor's source as a leaking hydrogen sulfide pipeline, exactly where the pipeline is or who owns or operates such a pipeline.

Long Beach residents area described the stench as very foul and intense while City of Long Beach electeds remained mainly mum about the issue. As of dawn Oct. 9, CD7 incumbent Roberto Uranga (seeking a third term in the 2022 election cycle) hadn't mentioned the odor on his Facebook page.

On Oct. 8. LB Vice Mayor/CD 9 Councilman Rex Richardson (also seeking re-election in 2022) cited AQMD staff's Oct. 8 public statement. "Earlier today, we received some questions regarding strange odors in our community. In response I contact[ed] staff at the South Coast Air Quality Management District in my capacity as the representative for the region. Below is their most recent official response. ('Elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide have been detected in Carson. Inspectors are evaluating potential sources and the investigation is ongoing. LA County Public Health has advices residents in the vicinity of Dominguez Channel to keep doors and windows closed while odors are present.') As we receive more information, we will be sure to provide updates." Richardson represents western L.A, County cities on the AQMD governing board (joined the board in February 2021.)

And no elected LB incumbent (Mayor Robert Garcia or any Councilmembers) agendized the issue for Council discussion and possible action at the Council's upcoming Oct. 12 meeting.