Overview
- An overheated, pressurized storage tank holding about 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate at GKN Aerospace triggered major evacuations in late May before responders stabilized the tank by relieving pressure and using sustained external cooling.
- Authorities planned to pump the neutralized chemical into sealed trucks for off-site disposal but postponed the operation because the specialized sealed trucks and other needed resources did not arrive on schedule.
- Air monitoring teams have not detected airborne methyl methacrylate and the California Department of Public Health says no long-term health effects are expected, though officials warn a fruity or plastic-like smell may be noticeable during future transfers.
- About 50 gallons of stormwater from the site overflowed into a local storm drain during a routine transfer and samples are being tested for any trace of the chemical, with officials calling the likelihood of contamination low.
- Local leaders and residents are pressing GKN for greater accountability and fuller compensation even as criminal and civil investigations continue and the company has pledged multimillion-dollar community funds that officials say do not fully address harms.