Cleanup efforts at the GKN Aerospace facilities in Garden Grove are ongoing this week. Orange County health officials are cautioning that there may be “temporary, intermittent odors” during the cleanup.
Last month, a chemical leak caused by a crack in a tank led to the evacuation of thousands. Fortunately, that risk has been resolved. The tank held methyl methacrylate (MMA), a flammable chemical known for its ability to generate heat spontaneously. Under the careful supervision of the OC Health Care Agency and South Coast AQMD, crews are now removing the MMA. This process is expected to take place from Thursday to Friday.
The MMA will be transferred to sealed trucks for safe transport and disposal. The OC Health Care Agency mentioned that while the cleanup is underway, some people may detect the distinctive fruity or plastic-like odor of MMA, even at low concentrations that are not harmful to health.
Air quality monitoring is still in effect around the facility and in nearby neighborhoods. In the initial days of cleanup, workers removed portions of neutralized MMA, tested wastewater for safe disposal, and monitored air quality and tank temperatures to ensure everything remains safe.
In light of similar incidents, experts stress the importance of following safety protocols during chemical handling. A report from the Environmental Protection Agency highlights that despite advances in safety measures, chemical spills continue to pose risks in industrial areas. This case serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in chemical safety.
For more information on air quality and safety guidelines, you can visit the EPA’s official site.
