Rescheduled Cleanup Activities at GKN Aerospace Confirmed, May Cause Temporary Odors

The City of Garden Grove is sharing the following information from the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) regarding rescheduled cleanup activities, temporary odors and air monitoring related to the hazardous materials incident at GKN Aerospace.

The planned removal of neutralized methyl methacrylate (MMA) from two storage tanks at GKN Aerospace is scheduled the week of June 29 through July 2.

The operation will focus on two of the three tanks (tanks #2 and #4) and is being carried out in carefully managed phases, over several days, with multiple layers of safety protocols and oversight measures in place. Specialized containers will be used, incorporating features that support temperature control and secure transport.

Temporary, intermittent odors may occur during this activity in the area near the GKN Aerospace facility. MMA has a fruity smell with a very low odor threshold, meaning people may notice a scent even when concentrations are well below levels associated with health concerns.

Environmental protection is in place throughout the work, including continuous air monitoring using both mobile and fixed equipment at the facility fenceline and the community. Additionally, targeted air and odor monitoring based on wind conditions will be conducted. Operations will be adjusted as needed in response to conditions and will occur during daylight hours only.

An interactive data dashboard is available on the www.occupainfo.com web page enabling residents to view air monitoring data. Updates surrounding the cleanup activities are also being posted to www.occupainfo.com.

The work continues to be carried out under a unified command structure with support from experienced hazardous materials teams and certified transport contractors, in coordination with appropriate regulatory authorities. The drainage operation represents one phase of the cleanup and disposal process. Air monitoring will continue throughout cleanup operations.

Information regarding the GKN Aerospace incident can be found here: https://www.ocgov.com/gkn-aerospace-hazmat-incident.

For the latest information regarding the City's recovery actions, visit www.ggcity.org/hazmat-incident