The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Lee Zeldin, has warned that an overheated chemical tank at an aerospace facility in Orange County, California, is expected to fail, potentially leading to an explosion. The tank, located in Garden Grove, just 5 miles from Disneyland, contains 6,000-7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used in plastics and resins.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Zeldin said the most catastrophic scenario would involve an explosion triggering further blasts, prompting a large evacuation. About 50,000 residents have been evacuated from the area. However, he noted that the most likely outcome is a low-volume release of the chemicals.
Firefighters have been spraying the tank with water to keep its temperature below 85°F, and a neutralizing agent was added to a nearby tank on Friday. On Saturday night, firefighters discovered a potential crack in the tank, which could relieve pressure and reduce the risk of explosion, according to Orange County Fire Chief TJ McGovern.
Engineering experts have offered mixed assessments. Andrew Whelton of Purdue University compared the crack to a hole in a soda can, preventing explosion by releasing pressure. However, Faisal Khan of Texas A&M warned that a runaway reaction deep inside the tank could still pose an explosive risk despite surface cooling.
Air quality monitoring has detected no pollutants, with officials reporting normal levels. Meanwhile, at least two residents have filed a lawsuit against GKN Aerospace, the facility operator, citing evacuation orders, exposure concerns, and other damages. Exposure to methyl methacrylate can cause respiratory problems, neurological issues, and skin irritation.
