Tanque químico a punto de explotar en Garden Grove genera preguntas sobre la supervisión regulatoria

A chemical tank at a GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, California, came dangerously close to exploding, forcing the evacuation of over 50,000 residents for six days over a holiday weekend. The incident, which began when a cooling system valve failed, caused the tank containing methyl methacrylate to overheat, threatening a catastrophic release of toxic chemicals.

Officials used drones and water cannons to cool the tank, which finally cracked just enough to relieve pressure without exploding. The near-disaster has exposed significant gaps in California's regulatory system, as methyl methacrylate is not covered under the state's toughest accidental-release prevention rules, known as CalARP.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District had flagged compliance issues at the facility years earlier, but the tank itself was not subject to frequent inspections due to the plant's previous classification as a minor emissions source. The Orange County District Attorney's Office has opened a criminal inquiry into the incident, and community advocates are demanding accountability.

Residents reported health issues like nosebleeds and pet bird deaths, though air monitors showed pollution levels within normal ranges. GKN Aerospace, which manufactures components for military aircraft, has applied for a more comprehensive permit, but the public may not have a chance to comment until after the emergency.

The incident has deepened distrust among local communities, particularly the Vietnamese American community in Little Saigon, who have long fought against the use of methyl methacrylate in nail salons. The California Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that the chemical is not regulated under the state's Accidental Release Program, leaving a potential safety gap.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board had recommended adding reactive chemicals to federal lists, but the Trump administration has proposed eliminating funding for the board.

The evacuation cost residents thousands of dollars in housing, medication, and transportation, and many are calling for the facility to be shut down.