Authorities in Southern California are working to prevent a potential explosion from a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove, which has led to the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents. The tank, containing between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, began overheating and venting vapours on Thursday, prompting a state of emergency declared by Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday.
Firefighters have been spraying the tank with water to cool the chemical, but the interior temperature reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius) on Sunday, an increase of 10 degrees since Saturday, according to state Senator Tom Umberg. A crack discovered in the tank may reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic blast by releasing pressure, but Orange County Fire Authority Captain Wayhowe Huang warned that the danger of an explosion remains.
The chemical, used to manufacture plastic parts for aircraft, is highly volatile and flammable. Experts say that if the tank were to explode, it could spread the chemical over a wide area and send shrapnel flying. However, the crack could allow pressure to escape, similar to a hole in a soda can preventing an explosion, according to Professor Andrew Whelton of Purdue University.
Monitoring tests have shown air pollution within normal limits, and containment barriers have been set up to prevent any spill from reaching storm drains or the ocean. Drones are monitoring temperatures at ten-minute intervals, and specialised equipment is being used to avoid gas release. Governor Newsom has also asked President Donald Trump for a federal emergency declaration to bolster support.
Meanwhile, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, which operates the facility. Lawyers argue that property values in the surrounding community are likely to be impacted regardless of the outcome. GKN Aerospace has apologised to residents and businesses forced to evacuate and said it is working around the clock to mitigate the risk.
