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California Officials Evacuate 50,000 Residents Near Leaking Chemical Tank
Emergency crews responded to a leaking tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove containing an estimated 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate. Officials issued mandatory evacuation orders and declared a state of emergency while working to reduce pressure and temperature inside the tank.
May 25, 10:32 AM·1m read1 source
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Tens of thousands of residents near Garden Grove were ordered to evacuate after a chemical tank at GKN Aerospace began leaking. The tank holds an estimated 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a flammable substance used to make plastics. Orange County Fire Authority incident commander Craig Covey said crews identified a possible crack that could be releasing pressure. J.
McGovern stated the discovery represented progress but added that the BLEVE threat had not been eliminated.
The Environmental Protection Agency reported no signs of toxic chemicals released into the environment as of Sunday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said a malfunctioning valve remained unmitigated and temperatures inside the tank were rising about one degree per hour.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Orange County on Saturday. He stated that state resources were being mobilized to support local responders.
Methyl methacrylate generates heat on its own and can ignite from a spark if released, according to University of Southern California associate professor Elias Picazo. Officials said two other tanks at the site were deemed structurally sound. Covey described two potential outcomes: the tank could fail and release chemicals into a containment area, or it could explode and affect surrounding tanks.
No injuries have been reported. >"Please help us. Stay out of the evacuation zone. J.
