County declares emergency proclamation after geyser migrates

A geyser in Imperial County that’s been there since the 50’s is moving and just in the past two months started encroaching on infrastructure. This week the county declared an emergency proclamation after the geyser just outside of Niland, moved 60 feet West.

They geyser already forced Union Pacific Railroads to move their trains to alternate tracks. But due to the migration of the geyser, more county infrastructure could be affected. Imperial County Fire Chief, Alfredo Estrada said, “That geyser encroaching on the railroad also encroaching on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. And there some fiber optic out there and the highway.”

The county can rely on help from the state if needed. District Supervisor, Ryan Kelley said, “We’re using the system that’s in place that allows us to have mutual aid resources are available. We can call upon those to be able to bring in technical assistance when needed.”

Caltrans has contingency plans in place just in case the geyser reaches the highway. “Caltrans will have to close state route 111 if that mudpot advances to a point where it impacts the state road. We obviously have to divert traffic,” said Caltrans Public Information Officer, Ed Joyce.

The geyser could emit a dangerous gas but officials said residents shouldn’t worry.”As long as you are well away from any of its release, it’s not posing a direct threat to anybody,” said Kelley.

Officials will continue to monitor the geyser and look to have a plan of action in place.