UPDATE: Investigation Continues into Mysterious Sewer Odor Impacting Ventura’s Pierpont Neighborhood
Authorities are continuing to investigate the source of a mysterious odor that prompted evacuations, road closures, and an early dismissal at Pierpont Elementary School in Ventura on Thursday. Despite concerns over a potential gas leak, the exact cause of the odor remains unknown.
The Ventura Fire Department, responding to reports of a suspicious odor in the Pierpont neighborhood around 11:30 a.m., initially evacuated several homes on Bayshore Avenue. Fire Chief David Endaya explained that the hazardous materials response began as officials sought to determine the cause of the smell.
“We just wanted to get the kids out before it gets to be a major traffic problem,” said Ventura Fire Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson, explaining the early school dismissal.
At the elementary school, Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Ronnie D’Aunoy assured the public that no immediate dangers had been detected. “There’s no hazardous readings,” D’Aunoy confirmed, adding that the school evacuation was a precautionary measure. Students who could not leave early were allowed to shelter in place.
By Thursday evening, officials determined that the odor was related to a sewer line, though the precise cause remained under investigation. Early reports suggested a possible methane release, but city fire Capt. Shawn Hughes emphasized that this had not been definitively confirmed.
According to an earlier update sent to state emergency officials, a methane release was detected in the sewer system, raising concerns. Testing conducted at Bayshore Avenue and Peninsula Street revealed methane levels at 50% of the lower explosive limits, prompting immediate safety measures that impacted more than 300 residents.
Residents reported detecting the odor inside their homes, with many noticing the smell in their bathrooms. Ventura police had also warned of potentially dangerous methane levels near Pierpont Boulevard and Peninsula Street.
During an evening briefing livestreamed on the Ventura Fire Department’s Instagram page, Chief Endaya explained that hazmat teams and the city’s water department had been monitoring the area for days following initial complaints. On Thursday, monitoring equipment detected a spike in methane levels, prompting officials to escalate the response to a hazardous materials incident. Urban search and rescue teams carried out advanced ventilation operations in the sewer line, successfully reducing the concentration of gas.
Emergency teams, including hazmat units from Ventura, Oxnard, Ventura County, and the nearby federal Navy base, responded to the scene. Police officers managed traffic control, while a temporary evacuation point was established at Ventura Community College.
By 6 p.m., authorities lifted most of the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders, allowing many residents to return home. Only Monmouth Way between Pierpont and Harbor boulevards remained closed as of early evening.
Gina Dorrington, general manager of Ventura Water, addressed questions during the briefing, clarifying that the incident was unrelated to the ongoing ocean outfall pipeline project. “This involves a different pipeline,” she explained.
Residents React to the Evacuations
For many residents, Thursday’s evacuation caused concern but little panic. Shaele Baker, who picked up her 5-year-old son Ryan from Pierpont Elementary after receiving a text alert from the school, said she wasn’t overly worried. “No one has given me reason to worry,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, other residents were more focused on returning home and checking on their belongings. Donald Cuadra, who rushed back from Burbank after hearing from his neighbors, was mainly concerned about his Chihuahua, Bella. Although authorities advised residents to keep doors and windows shut, Cuadra said seeing others outside reassured him.
Theresa Stever, who works at the floral department in the nearby Vons supermarket, described a brief moment of uncertainty after an automated call warned of a possible evacuation. However, store personnel were later informed the area was safe, and no evacuation took place. “We just kept working,” Stever said.
With over 60 emergency personnel responding to the incident and a helicopter monitoring the situation from above, officials remain vigilant as they continue to investigate the source of the odor. Updates on the situation can be found on the Ventura County emergency website at vcemergency.com.
This story is ongoing and may be updated as more information becomes available.
