Experts and emergency crews have been working for nearly two days to try and prevent a potentially catastrophic chemical spill or explosion at Garden Grove aerospace manufacturing facility, but have so far been unable to find a fix.
Anxious observers and residents may be asking themselves, what makes fixing this damaged chemical tank so challenging?
The chemical storage tank at GKN Aerospace began malfunctioning on Thursday rose to dangerous levels Friday and into Saturday while crews attempted to head off a disastrous explosion and tens of thousands of residents remained under evacuation orders.
The chemical at the center of the crisis — methyl methacrylate — is a highly toxic substance that in the short term can impact a persons respiratory system, cause skin irritation and eye irritation, officials said. But little is known about the long term effects of the substance on humans, health officials said on Friday. Encountered at high levels, officials said it could cause severe respiratory distress and hospitalizations.
Finding a way to reduce the temperature within the tank or release the chemicals in a controlled way has proven elusive, officials said.
The valves that are usually used to control the tank are gummed up. The tank itself is made of thick steel, and even attempting to drill into it could create heat and spark the highly volatile chemicals, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialidi said.
Crews entered the plant on Friday night planning to introduce a chemical stabilizer meant to harden up the liquid chemicals, Concialidi said. They were able to add that stabilizer to two nearby tanks, but weren’t able to put it into the unstable tank before having to leave the area due to the higher than expected temperature.
Also see: Map shows Garden Grove hazmat incident and evacuation around aerospace plant
While authorities acknowledged the large size of the evacuation zone was disruptive to the community, they wanted to make sure that no one would be in danger in the event of an explosion.
“Our hearts go out to all of them, but it is for their safety,” Concialidi said of the residents impacted by the evacuation orders.
In the event of an explosion, there would be metal from the tank and nearby tanks, debris from the plant and chemicals all pushed into the air.
Normally, the chemical gases would stay close to the ground, since they are heavier than air, Concialid noted. But an explosion with a large fireball would send the liquid and the vapors into the atmosphere.
Exactly how far the gas would travel would depend on the wind, which is expected to pick up in the afternoon on Saturday.
In the event of the tank cracking and the chemicals rapidly leaking out — a less catastrophic option — fire crews have set up a system of sand barriers to prevent the chemicals from entering from entering storm drains or river channels.
While there have been no reports so far of active gas leaks or plumes, the air quality in the area is being monitored and officials have strongly urged residents to adhere to the evacuations given the potential danger.
Cal/OSHA has confirmed that they will open an inspection report for the GKN Aerospace plant where the tank is located, though they have released no other details.
The plant on Western Avenue has been in the city for more than three decades. Prior to the current crisis, it was primarily known as the worldwide leading manufacturer of cockpit windshields, jet canopies and aviation windows for civil and military aircraft.