Algae blamed for foul odor in Marina, Salinas

Residents of south Salinas and parts of Marina have been complaining lately about a fowl smell in their neighborhoods.

Salinas Public Works Director Gary Peterson says their sanitation ponds on Davis Road are the culprit. Peterson said the drought cause the algae in the ponds to decompose and now that they are re-hydrating because of the recent rain, the stench is getting stronger.

NewsChannel 5 is told this is an organic problem and there is no concern for public health. Salinas is currently working on to re-balance the pH levels in the ponds to curb the smell.