Serious Stuff

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Posted by Randy S on April 01, 2004 at 17:49:42:

It has recently been reported that over the past seven years, the odorless and ignitable gas content of air within the lower basins of Death Valley have averaged 86.7 percent of the LEL. The source of the increased gas is the result of air exposure and decomposition of the minerals Kermitite and Bouncerite commonly associated with past mining activities within the Panamint and Funeral Mtns, and a lesser degree in the Argus Mtns near Trona. As decomposition occurs, elements within the minerals react with organic particulate mater (PM10) within the air, resulting in the formation of the gas. Since the specific gravity of the gas is greater than air, the gas will migrate down the moutain slopes to lower areas such as Badwater. Due to the safety concerns related to this natural process and the fact that this gas is odorless, beginning Saturday, April 3, 2003, all visitors to Death Valley will be issued a gas LEL detecting gopher, which is to be carried on the person at all times. Should a person wonder into an area that contains this gas with a concentration of 75 percent of the LEL, the gopher will give off an audible warning. However, if the concentration exceeds 100 percent of the LEL, the gopher will appear to play dead, indicating immediate evacuation is necessary. It is vital that all visitor pay close attention to the gopher they are issued, and be prepared to respond as the need arises.

Happy travels.

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