Evacuation Ordered After Chemical Tank Issue

A damaged tank at an aerospace facility in Southern California has raised concerns over safety. The incident led to an evacuation order affecting tens of thousands of residents. The tank, located at GKN Aerospace, contained 6,000 to 7,000 gallons (22,713 to 26,498 liters) of methyl methacrylate. This tank overheated, causing vapors to vent into the air around Garden Grove in Orange County.

Immediate Risks and Actions

Officials warned that the tank might leak or explode if the overheating persisted. To mitigate this risk, firefighters began spraying the tank with water. They hoped that a crack, which developed over the weekend, would reduce pressure and prevent an explosion. There were no active leaks reported, and no chemicals had escaped from the tank.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. However, the evacuation order impacted over 50,000 residents during the Memorial Day weekend.

Why Is Methyl Methacrylate Dangerous?

Methyl methacrylate is a flammable and colorless liquid used in creating resins, plastics, and plastic dentures. It poses health risks by irritating the lungs, eyes, and skin. In high concentrations, it can impair lung function and cause dizziness and memory issues. The Environmental Protection Agency highlights its serious potential for respiratory problems and unconsciousness with prolonged exposure. Despite these dangers, air quality in the evacuation zone has remained normal.

Details on the Tank Issues

The tank experienced malfunctioning drainage valves, leading to concerns about a potential chemical spill or explosion. To prevent these events, the focus was to maintain the tank temperature below 85 degrees F (29.4 degrees C). EPA chief Lee Zeldin mentioned that a “low-volume release” was a likely scenario. This would allow officials to monitor and control the situation.

Potential Explosion Consequences

If the tank’s temperature rises too much, the pressure could build up, converting the chemical from liquid to gas. This can cause an explosion that might ignite other tanks on site. Such an explosion could disperse hazardous vapors across a wider area. Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Orange County’s health officer, expressed concerns about these vapors.

Aerial photos showed empty streets in the evacuation zone on Sunday. Although nearby Disneyland was not affected by evacuation orders, residents outside the zone were advised they face no health risks.

Next Steps

Officials remain vigilant. They believe the crack in the tank might help lower explosion risks. Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Wayhowe Huang noted that there were no signs of harmful chemical releases into the atmosphere. The fire department planned an overnight mission to assess whether the tank pressure had decreased, potentially preventing an explosion.

EPA’s Zeldin suggested that a low-volume release could effectively relieve tank pressure. GKN Aerospace continues collaborating with local officials to address the situation.