Chemical Tank in Southern California at Risk of Explosion

A chemical storage tank in Southern California is at risk of exploding or rupturing, causing significant concern among authorities. Efforts to reduce its temperature have been unsuccessful, and its temperature continues to rise. No injuries have been reported since the tank overheated on Thursday, releasing vapors at a company site in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for 40,000 residents, with several shelters remaining open. Officials have not provided a timeline for when people can return home. Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey initially reported progress in cooling the tank, but later corrected this after drones revealed the reading was from the outside, not the inside.

The tank’s liquid chemical has a flashpoint of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), based on data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. If it heats up, it can release harmful vapors affecting health, noted Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Orange County’s health officer. Potential effects include respiratory issues, eye irritation, nausea, and headaches.

Emergency crews observed the tank’s temperature gauge directly on Friday, with readings showing an increase to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature increased by about a degree each hour from 77 degrees, raising concerns of a tank failure. Containment measures are in place to prevent the chemical from entering storm drains or nearby water bodies.

“Letting this thing just fail and blow up is simply unacceptable to us,” Covey stated.

The tank, located at GKN Aerospace, contains between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, used for plastic parts manufacturing. Issues with the tank’s valves have prevented pressure relief or chemical removal.

GKN Aerospace assured its commitment to community, employee, and responder safety. Initially, Garden Grove residents evacuated, followed by expansions affecting other cities including Cypress and Anaheim.

Local resident Marco Solano expressed frustration with the situation. He is temporarily staying with family, feeling the stress exacerbates his health conditions like anemia and ulcerative colitis. Solano observed that other residents were not evacuating, increasing his concern for their safety.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County. The declaration provides state resources and facilities as shelters if needed. Garden Grove is 38 miles south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Anaheim, home to Disneyland’s theme parks, which remain unevacuated. Park officials are monitoring the situation and assisting employees impacted by evacuations.