An aerospace company has provided a $3 million donation in response to a chemical leak that led to the evacuation of 40,000 residents. However, Orange County officials expressed their frustration on Thursday, emphasizing that this amount falls short of what the community really needs.
GKN Aerospace revealed on Wednesday that they are giving $3 million, along with an additional $1 million, to assist those affected by the chemical leak in Garden Grove.
Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein highlighted the hardships caused by the evacuation, noting that it placed significant strain on residents and posed risks for first responders. In a letter presented at the council meeting, she articulated the community’s concerns.
Councilmember Ariana Arestegui echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while the donation may help temporarily, it doesn’t address the broader financial challenges many residents are facing. “This $3 million…is not a refund or reimbursement,” she stated.
Chairman Doug Chaffee of the Orange County Commission described the payment as only “a drop in the bucket.” During the meeting, local officials urged representatives from GKN Aerospace to participate in next week’s gathering to discuss measures aimed at preventing future incidents and keeping the public informed.
Officials from the Orange County Health Department had originally planned to begin removing methyl methacrylate (MMA) from storage tanks on Thursday or Friday. However, those plans were delayed when the necessary specialized truck arrived later than expected. The intention is to safely dispose of the MMA.
As plans unfold, authorities have noted that the MMA could emit a “fruity or plastic-like” odor. The local health agency commented that due to the low odor threshold of this product, residents might notice the smell even at low concentration levels, which typically would not pose health risks.
