How a British-owned plant became the centre of California’s toxic leak danger

An American offshoot of a British company is responsible for the tank holding a highly toxic and flammable chemical, which is in danger of exploding in California.

The tank is on the site of GKN Aerospace, a division of British supplier Melrose Industries. GKN makes aircraft windscreens and aerospace plastics, among other things.

In a statement on its website on Sunday, Melrose said it is working closely with authorities at the site of the leak, in Garden Grove, a suburb roughly 30 miles south of Los Angeles.

“We are acutely aware of the uncertainty this incident is causing and sincerely apologise for the ongoing disruption to the local community,” Melrose said.

“(We) remain deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of all the emergency services and agencies involved. Our priority remains the safe resolution of this incident, so that residents can return to their homes as quickly as possible.”

What is in the tank?

Since Friday, officials have warned that the tank, which contains methyl methacrylate, a chemical used in plastics and manufacturing, could rupture and spill up to 7,000 gallons of toxic material.

Another fear is that the tank could explode and endanger other tanks on the GKN Aerospace site.

Evacuation orders were issued on Friday for part of Garden Grove, impacting tens of thousands of people. Many spent America’s Memorial Day long weekend in shelters.

However, in a move he said was “positive”, TJ McGovern, interim fire chief of the Orange ⁠County Fire Authority, said on social media that a team of specialists have found “a potential ​crack in the tank, ⁠which could potentially be relieving some of the pressure ‌in there.”

Although officials for now are focused on measuring pressure, a GKN spokesperson said, the crack eventually could allow authorities to drain the chemicals gradually.

Health officials say they’re concerned that prolonged exposure to vapor from the chemical could cause severe respiratory problems.

Who are GKN?

This is not the first regulatory violation at the facility, according to public records from federal and California agencies.

According to a settlement document provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the company agreed to pay the air quality regulator nearly $910,000 in late 2024 to settle allegations of multiple ‌rule violations.

What has been the consequences of the leak?

Two residents, a couple who live in the evacuation zone, filed a lawsuit on Saturday against GKN Aerospace, alleging the company negligently stored and handled MMA, according to CNN.

The lawsuit was filed as a proposed class action, and the couple are the lead plaintiffs. Their lawyer, Filippo Marchino, said roughly 100 other residents have already expressed interest in joining the case.

In addition, officials said the chemical has not been detected in the air, but some residents said they’ve experienced symptoms.

“I forgot to close the window during Thursday night, and I regret it,” local resident Van Ly, who evacuated on Friday, told CNN. “My throat and the inside of my nose feel sore, and my wife felt dizzy Friday night.”

With Reuters

المصدر: iNews