GARDEN GROVE (CNS) – A hazardous materials cleanup and disposal operation is set to begin Monday at the GKN Aerospace facility where a chemical mishap forced thousands of people from their homes in Garden Grove and surrounding areas while crews worked to alleviate the threat of a toxic leak or explosion.
Crews working Monday through Thursday will remove neutralized methyl methacrylate, also known as MMA, from two storage tanks at GKN Aerospace, 12122 Western Ave. in Garden Grove.
Methyl methacrylate is a toxic and highly flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acrylic plastics.
“The work will take place over several days in carefully managed phases, using specialized, temperature-controlled containers with multiple safety protocols,” authorities said.
The operation is being coordinated by a unified command that includes the Orange County Health Care Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and GKN Aerospace.
“Residents near the facility may notice temporary, intermittent odors,” the agencies said. “MMA has a fruity smell and a very low odor threshold, so it may be smelled well below levels associated with health concerns.
“Environmental protections include continuous air monitoring with mobile and fixed equipment at the facility and in the community, with additional monitoring based on wind conditions. Operations will be adjusted as needed and will occur only during daylight hours.”
People will be able to monitor the air quality and track the cleanup effort at occupainfo.com.
The hazmat emergency began May 21 when a leak was reported at the facility.
An estimated 40,000 people in Garden Grove, the entire city of Stanton and other nearby communities had to leave their homes for several days during the Memorial Day weekend as work continued to neutralize the toxic chemical stored in tanks that had become overheated, sparking fears of an explosion.
Ultimately, a crack in the damaged tank relieved the pressure inside the tank and negated the risk.
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