Settling in Orange County was a decision influenced by the same factors that attracted generations before. The area offers stunning beaches, clean air, and a feeling of safety behind the ‘Orange Curtain.’ This security was disrupted during Memorial Day weekend when a chemical tank at GKN Aerospace threatened to explode, potentially causing extensive damage. The chemical, methyl methacrylate (MMA), is used in making plexiglass. Luckily, an explosion was avoided, though the chemical remains at the site. Attempts to remove MMA were delayed without a new scheduled date.
Residents’ Concerns Heighten
Local residents express fear and frustration over the incident. Ruben and Nancy Delgado, who live within close proximity to the facility, are grappling with the implications of being adjacent to such industrial operations. Having enjoyed their home and neighborhood since the 1980s, recent events have altered their perception of safety. Ruben expressed a strong desire for the facility’s closure, highlighting the community’s anxiety.
Industrial Sites and Neighborhoods in O.C.
This scenario is not uncommon in Orange County. In 2023, All American Asphalt in Irvine shut down following complaints regarding air pollution. This prompted Los Angeles County to introduce an online map informing residents of nearby industrial sites. Despite returning home, the Delgado family faces uncertainty regarding potential health risks and the chemical exposure they might have experienced.
GKN Aerospace contributed $3 million to Orange County United Way’s OC Community Resilience Fund, aiming to assist affected residents. While actions are being taken, important questions about future safety measures remain unanswered. Nancy Delgado seeks assurance that the incident will not repeat.
The Community Demands Accountability
GKN Aerospace is facing multiple lawsuits related to the scare. The Garden Grove City Council initiated a call for transparency, demanding answers and accountability from the company. Their intentions are underscored in a letter emphasizing the importance of a full disclosure regarding the incident and necessary preventative actions.
Nancy Delgado’s lingering concern is rooted in uncertainty. Without clear resolutions, the anxiety within the community continues. Her question remains, ‘How do we know this won’t happen again?’