A damaged storage tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, remained the focus of an emergency response Sunday after officials warned it could leak or explode, potentially releasing thousands of gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile chemical used in plastics manufacturing.
Around 50,000 residents were ordered to evacuate neighborhoods as firefighters sprayed the tank with water to lower its temperature and reduce the risk of ignition. Officials have not provided a timeline for when residents may return. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Orange County.
The incident began Thursday after the tank’s temperature increased, causing it to bulge and triggering a relief valve and sprinkler system. Authorities have not said what caused the temperature change. The Environmental Protection Agency says methyl methacrylate can irritate the eyes and skin and may cause respiratory symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.
Orange County Fire Authority officials described two serious possibilities: a tank failure spilling roughly 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of chemicals, or a thermal runaway leading to an explosion that could affect nearby tanks. By Sunday, officials said a pressure-relieving crack had developed, changing the response. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said on CNN that an explosion would be the most catastrophic outcome, but a lower-volume release appeared more likely and could be monitored, neutralized and contained by local authorities.
GKN Aerospace apologized for the disruption and said it was working continuously to mitigate the risk of a leak. The company said it was monitoring the affected material.
Legal and investigative scrutiny has begun. Two Garden Grove residents filed a lawsuit against GKN, saying the evacuation has disrupted their lives indefinitely. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer opened an investigation into the company and said his office would examine whether accountability is warranted. GKN was contacted for comment.
