GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (AP) — Southern California officials lifted the final evacuation orders Tuesday night for residents who live near a damaged chemical tank, allowing 16,000 people to return home.
The crisis forced 50,000 people to evacuate in and around the Orange County city of Garden Grove last week. A crack that formed by chance on the tank relieved pressure and helped avert a catastrophic explosion, allowing most evacuees to return home over the Memorial Day weekend.
The tank contains methyl methacrylate, which is highly flammable. Health officials have assured residents that there was no contamination or fumes released. Officials say they will keep monitoring the air for several months and checking the sewer and storm drains.
But the risk of a smaller explosion or potential spill had kept orders in place for about a third of the evacuees. Many were living out of hotel rooms, tents, emergency shelters at schools or staying with family or friends.
Isabel Mendez said she broke out in a rash on her face and developed tingling lips and a sore throat while evacuating last week. After spending several expensive nights in a hotel, she was staying with her mother in the Los Angeles area.
Exposure to the chemical can cause serious respiratory problems, neurological issues and irritation to the skin, eyes and throat, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The tank at GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, which makes cockpit windows, canopies and windshields, contains 6,000 to 7,000 gallons (22,700 to 26,500 liters) of the chemical.
“We apologize for the ongoing disruption this incident is causing and our priority remains its safe resolution,” the company said.
Separately, an implosion of a chemical tank Tuesday at a pulp and paper mill in Washington state killed one worker and left nine others accounted for, with authorities saying they were working on recovery efforts. Nine others were injured.
Crews at the California plant worked overnight to ensure two nearby tanks were neutralized and would not be affected by the compromised tank, Orange County Fire Capt. Brian Yau said.
The tank overheated because a valve on the cooling system failed that kept it at at 50 degrees, (10 degrees Celsius), said Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey.
Source: WPLG
