Orange County Officials Declare Safety After Chemical Tank Incident, Experts Remain Cautious
Orange County leaders say previously evacuated area is safe. Experts say risks still linger
Los Angeles Times
Image: Los Angeles Times
After a chemical tank incident at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, Orange County officials have lifted evacuations, declaring the area safe. However, experts express concerns about potential toxic releases and the risks posed by other chemicals stored at the site.
- 01Authorities lifted evacuations after firefighters cooled a tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) with over 9 million gallons of water.
- 02Environmental experts, including Purdue University's Andrew Whelton, question the absence of toxic releases following a crack in the tank.
- 03The Orange County Fire Authority is testing water used on the tank for contaminants.
- 04GKN Aerospace has a history of failing to disclose hazardous chemicals, raising concerns about other substances stored on-site.
- 05California Communities Against Toxics warns that the risks extend beyond MMA, citing additional flammable chemicals reported by GKN.
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Following a tense six-day situation involving a chemical tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, Orange County officials announced that the risk of a catastrophic explosion has diminished, allowing residents to return home. Firefighters successfully cooled the tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA), using over 9 million gallons of water. While local authorities, including the Orange County health officer, reported no toxic releases, experts like Andrew Whelton from Purdue University expressed skepticism, likening the tank's rupture to a soda can puncture. Whelton noted that while the water spraying may have suppressed vapors, the risk of an explosion remains. Additionally, concerns persist regarding other hazardous chemicals stored at the facility, as GKN Aerospace has a history of failing to disclose such materials. Jane Williams, executive director of California Communities Against Toxics, emphasized the need for transparency regarding the chemical inventory at the site, highlighting the potential dangers to nearby residents.
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Residents in the vicinity of GKN Aerospace are affected by the potential risks associated with chemical storage and possible toxic releases.
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