GKN Aerospace to Remove Neutralized MMA From Two Garden Grove Tanks

Real-time air, odor and wind monitoring will verify that measured concentrations remain below health thresholds during the multi-day transfer.

Overview

An overheating methyl methacrylate tank prompted mandatory evacuations in late May and led officials to find a pressure-relieving crack that reduced the explosion risk on May 26.
County health officials said crews will begin phased removal of neutralized MMA from two of three tanks starting Monday and continuing through Thursday using temperature-controlled, sealed containers.
Officials warn residents they may notice a fruity smell from MMA because it has a very low odor threshold but say continuous fence-line and community air monitoring will keep exposures below levels of health concern and publish data online.
Earlier cleanup work was delayed by shortages of specialized transport equipment and a separate incident in early June when workers spilled 50 gallons of stormwater that officials monitored for trace MMA.
GKN faces multiple class-action suits and is cooperating with an Orange County District Attorney probe and federal searches by the FBI and EPA while the company has pledged about $4 million for community relief.