GARDEN GROVE (CNS) – With the outcome still unclear as Orange County fire authorities deal with a looming threat from a compromised chemical storage tank that will likely crack and leak or explode, some of the roughly 50,000 evacuated residents are already considering legal remedies.
A class-action lawsuit is already in the pipeline on behalf of two residents living in the evacuation zone, KTLA5 reported.
The pending lawsuit by the X-Law Group P.C. and Presidio Law Firm LLP seeks “accountability for residents facing evacuation orders, property disruption, potential health risks, loss of use of their homes, related expenses, and diminished property values,” the station noted.
The class action further alleges GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems Inc. — whose Garden Grove facility at 12122 Western Ave. is the site where a 7,000-gallon tank with highly flammable methyl methacrylate used to manufacture acrylic plastics has been compromised since Thursday — “failed to adequately protect the surrounding community from a known hazardous condition.”
Dozens of other law firms have launched efforts to recruit potential litigants as fire authorities continue looking for ways to resolve the overheating crisis that has put residents in Garden Grove and several surrounding communities at risk.
“For the families who had to leave in a hurry, the disruption was immediate and real,” one typical pitch from the Lyon Firm states. “But the consequences of this kind of industrial chemical emergency can extend well beyond lost sleep and missed work. Depending on how the situation resolves, those who were exposed to vapors or who live near the facility could face serious health challenges in the weeks and months ahead.”
GKN Aerospace, a leading global supplier of vehicle and aircraft components that manufactures acrylic plastics, posted the following statement on its website Saturday:
“There is a serious and evolving situation regarding a thermal issue in a chemical storage tank at our Garden Grove site in California. The situation remains ongoing and we are fully focused on working with emergency services, specialized hazardous material teams and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the local community, our employees and everyone else involved. We sincerely apologize for the significant disruption to the many local residents and businesses who have had to be evacuated. We are working tirelessly with all relevant experts to resolve this situation as safely as possible and in a timely manner and are deeply grateful for the continued skill and dedication of the Orange County emergency services.”
In 2021, GKN Aerospace paid about $900,000 to settle multiple environmental violations, including failing to keep emission records and operating equipment without a permit, according to the OC Register, which cited the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced Saturday afternoon that it has established an anonymous tipline and online reporting form to gather information regarding the incident.
“Anyone with information related to the circumstances leading up to this incident, including but not limited to specific details of the release, information about the industrial operations of the facility, the quality and frequency of maintenance of the tanks and systems at issue, and any other relevant information at GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, is encouraged to call the Orange County District Attorney Anonymous Tip Hotline at 714-347-8714 or fill out an anonymous online form at www.ocdistrictattorney.gov,” the office stated.
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