Salton Sea

A California Courts of Appeals panel ordered further environmental review for a proposed geothermal plant and lithium mine in Imperial County after finding that the county failed to sufficiently address environmental concerns. The lawsuit was filed by Comité Civico del Valle, which argued that the county's approval process violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), particularly regarding water availability and consultation with Native American tribes.

A nonprofit in Imperial County, California, is challenging the approval of a lithium mine and geothermal project, arguing the environmental impact analysis was flawed and insufficiently addressed water usage and tribal consultation. The project, led by Controlled Thermal Resources, faces legal and environmental concerns over water resources and potential air quality impacts.

The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, is drying up, causing increased air pollution for nearby residents. Authorities are attempting to stabilize the lakebed and control dust, but some families have already been negatively affected.

Two men were found with gunshot wounds in a rural community near the Salton Sea, with one dead and the other injured. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident in the unincorporated community of North.

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake occurred near the Salton Sea in Imperial County at 8:26 p.m. on Sunday. The quake was located 6 miles northwest of Calipatria, an area that experienced over a dozen earthquakes in a 24-hour period in May.

A swarm of earthquakes hit Imperial County with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.7, shaking the region around Brawley. The largest quake reported was 4.7 magnitude. Dozens of quakes were recorded over the weekend.