Chemical tank leaks in California, evacuation ordered
Some 40,000 people have been evacuated as emergency officials work to cool a leaking chemical tank and mitigate possible damage in California.
California emergency officials say they may change strategy as they rush to resolve an “unprecedented situation” after sending specialized teams of firefighters overnight to investigate chemical tanks that are at risk of leaking or exploding.
The Orange County Fire Department is working with subject matter experts and state and federal authorities to cool a tank storing methyl methacrylate in Garden Grove, California, which has forced evacuation orders for more than 40,000 residents.
Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern said in a May 24 X update that firefighters were able to “visualize the tank” during overnight operations and discovered cracks that could relieve some of the pressure.
New information could help authorities make “educated decisions” that “could change our trajectory and strategy,” McGovern explained.
Residents living in the area surrounding the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, south of Los Angeles, were ordered to evacuate on May 21 after authorities said a large tank overheated and began venting steam.
“Your protection, the safety of your lives, is our overriding responsibility at this time,” McGovern said in a May 24 update. “We know you’re out of the house. We want you back, but we can’t do that until it’s deemed safe.”
Fire officials had previously warned that the tank could rupture, splitting or exploding. Despite initial efforts to cool the tank and its contents, incident commander Craig Covey said on May 23 that the internal temperature of the tank had risen to 90 degrees, rising about 1 degree per hour. Covey said authorities were talking to experts to find a solution, adding: “It is unacceptable to us to allow this to continue to fail and explode.”
Have there been changes in contamination levels at or near the site?
Harry Allen, field coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, said in an update late on May 23 that 24 fixed air monitoring devices were deployed until the site was “safe” and operated until the stations reported no contaminants.
He added that the team had installed special equipment to “ensure that no gas is released from the tank at the source of the accident.”
Jason Lowe, executive director of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, also reported normal levels from mobile air quality monitoring operations in the evacuation area.
What are the latest efforts to cool chemical tanks?
On May 24, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin posted on X that the EPA is “working closely with all levels” of government in response to this release. “Although the tank will fail, many efforts are being made to reduce the risk and protect the health of local residents and responders,” Zeldin said.
May 23rd:
- Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Orange County. This process frees up additional powers to deal with emergencies, including state resources for evacuation sites.
- GKN Aerospace apologized to the community for the disruption and said its employees were “fully focused” on working with emergency services, hazardous materials teams and local authorities to resolve the situation in a timely manner.
- Media reported that two law firms have filed a class action lawsuit against GKN Aerospace on behalf of two residents under evacuation orders.
What is an evacuation zone?
On May 23, fire department chief Nick Freeman posted a map to X showing a ring of “blast zones” around the facility where homes could be damaged and residents injured. The map also outlines a plume on the north side of the facility where residents could be exposed to vapors from the tanks.
The evacuation zone is loosely defined by the city of Garden Grove as south of Ball Road, north of Trask Avenue, east of Valley View Street and west of Dale Street.
What is methyl methacrylate? What are the risks to the population?
Methyl methacrylate is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid that is used in the production of resins and plastics, according to the EPA. The product has a “sharp, fruity aroma,” according to an advisory from the California Department of Public Health. Inhaling its vapors can irritate human skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and cause allergic reactions.
According to California health officials, no exposure to the product is expected as long as evacuation orders are followed. Exposed people may or may not experience health problems.
In previous cases, people exposed to the product have reported short-term and long-term respiratory effects. The EPA classifies this substance as a non-carcinogen.
Inhalation of vapors near a spill or release may result in short-term exposure to the product. Skin contact is also possible. Pregnant people should take special care to avoid inhaling smoke.
This product is widely used in the production of various shatterproof acrylic materials such as plexiglass, as well as resins, coatings, and adhesives. Dentists use it to make crowns and fillings, and it is also used to make bone cement for orthopedic procedures.
What is GKN Aerospace?
GKN Aerospace, headquartered in the UK, manufactures components for the civil and defense aerospace industries, including windows, engines and fuselages. The company reports 32 manufacturing locations in 12 countries.
Contributors: Paris Barraza, Kate Franco, Kristin Scharkey, USA TODAY, USA TODAY Network.
Dinah Boyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, covers climate change, weather, the environment and other news. Contact dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or dinahvp.77 on X or Signal.
