A damaged chemical storage tank in Southern California that officials fear may be at risk of exploding or rupturing is gradually increasing in temperature despite ongoing efforts to cool it down, a fire chief reported on Saturday.
No Injuries Reported
No injuries have been reported after the pressurized tank overheated on Thursday and began releasing vapors at a facility in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 40,000 people, and several shelters remained open on Saturday, including at three high schools. Officials have not provided a timeline for when residents may return to their homes.
"Unfortunately, I do have to report that the temperature was 90 degrees," said Fire Chief Covey on Saturday. "Yesterday morning it was 77 degrees when we backed down. It has been averaging about a degree an hour increase."
Risk of Failure or Explosion
The primary concern is that the tank could fail and crack, releasing the liquid chemical onto the ground, or it could explode due to pressure buildup, Covey explained. If a spill occurs, containment barriers have been set up to prevent the chemical from entering storm drains, creeks, or the nearby ocean.
Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton, who responds to emergencies where public safety and health are at risk, stated that the "best-case scenario is that the tank springs a leak and spills the chemicals on the ground and people are warned about what to do to protect themselves."
Details of the Incident
The damaged tank is located at GKN Aerospace, a company that manufactures parts for commercial and military aircraft. The tank holds between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons (22,700 to 26,500 liters) of methyl methacrylate, a chemical used to produce plastic parts.
"Letting this thing just fail and blow up is simply unacceptable to us," Covey said. He noted that the valves on the tank are broken or "gummed up," preventing crews from removing the chemical or relieving the pressure.
In a statement, GKN Aerospace said it was focused on ensuring the safety of the community, its employees, and responding agencies.
Evacuation Expansion
Initially, residents in Garden Grove were ordered to leave. Evacuation orders were expanded on Friday to include some residents in five other Orange County cities: Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. Some residents with pets reported planning to sleep in their cars.
Marco Solano, a 32-year-old resident, spent Friday night at his parents' home. He expressed frustration with the situation and was monitoring the news to see if he could return home. "I don't think that they should have dangerous chemicals in a neighborhood area, especially that dangerous that they have to evacuate people," Solano said. "But again, it's not up to me. I don't make the laws. I don't make the rules. We just have to do what is best, I guess."
Solano, who works multiple jobs, said he wasn't feeling well on Saturday, believing the stress of the chemical leak was exacerbating his anemia and ulcerative colitis. "Right now I'm extremely tired. I have no energy. I'm super weak," he said. "This has been affecting me quite a bit." He added that he went to his apartment after work on Friday to grab belongings and saw other residents who had not evacuated, worrying him.
State of Emergency Declared
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday. The declaration will make state resources available to local agencies and allow the use of state-owned properties and fairgrounds as shelters if necessary.
Garden Grove is located about 38 miles (61 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, adjacent to Anaheim, home to Disneyland's two theme parks. The parks were not under evacuation orders as the Memorial Day weekend began. Park officials stated they are monitoring the chemical incident and supporting employees affected by the evacuations.
