Evacuation Order Lifted for Some Residents Near Chemical Tank in California
Emergency officials in Southern California have lifted the evacuation order for some residents living near a damaged tank containing a hazardous chemical. The tank, located at the GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems plant in Garden Grove, had posed a threat of catastrophic explosion. However, with temperatures inside the tank now reduced, the risk of a major explosion is eliminated.
Current Situation
Though the risk of a catastrophic explosion has decreased, there is still a possibility of a smaller blast or fire. According to Orange County Fire Authority division chief Craig Covey, an overnight evaluation revealed a reduction in tank pressure due to a crack discovered on Sunday.
The tank houses approximately 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable substance. As a result of the pressure reduction, about two-thirds of the 50,000 evacuated residents—approximately 34,000 people—have been allowed to return home.
“It’s not over yet. We still have work to do,” said Covey. “We still have to mitigate a fire and very small explosion concern, and also a spill potential.”
Safety Measures and Environmental Risks
The tank, which overheated last week, needed cooling to prevent a toxic leak or explosion. It initially reached an internal temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit but has since cooled to 93 degrees. Orange County Health Director Regina Chinsio-Kwong assured returning residents of their safety, noting that there was no contamination, fumes, vapors, or leaks during the incident.
Despite these assurances, environmental risks persist. According to Andrew Whelton, an engineering professor from Purdue University, the temperature needs to fall closer to ambient levels to significantly mitigate the risk. Methyl methacrylate, primarily used in plastic manufacturing, potentially transitions from a liquid to gas under increased temperature, raising pressure and risk.
Some of the chemical might have already solidified into a stable plastic state, reducing risk inside the tank. Monitoring by South Coast Air Quality Management District and EPA checks on sewer and storm drains continue to ensure environmental safety.
Community Impact and Industry Concerns
Garden Grove residents, like retiree Kim Yen, expressed relief at the lifted threat but remain cautious. “I am happy and many of us are happy but, still, we are still on our evacuation,” Yen said, acknowledging the ongoing caution among the community.
The parking lot at a nearby park in Fountain Valley served as a temporary shelter for displaced residents, while others gathered to mark Memorial Day.
GKN Aerospace, a British company that supplies components for military and commercial aircraft, owns the plant. The firm expressed regret over the disruption and emphasized their focus on resolution so residents could return home safely. GKN Aerospace employs around 16,000 people across 32 sites in 12 countries, providing essential technologies and components globally.
Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, commented on the vulnerability of the aerospace manufacturing industry to supply chain disruptions. With low aircraft production rates, the industry relies heavily on a limited number of suppliers, making any facility disruption significant.