The Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced Saturday it has launched an investigation and established an anonymous tipline and online reporting form to gather information about the failed chemical storage tank in Garden Grove that has put 50,000 people in five communities under evacuation orders.
The crisis at GKN Aerospace, at 12122 Western Ave., began shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday when methyl methacrylate — a toxic and highly flammable liquid chemical used in the manufacture of acrylic plastics used for airplane canopies — overheated in a 34,000-gallon tank. The situation worsened Friday, when officials said the tank could rupture or explode, setting off a chain reaction of blasts in other nearby tanks.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said he has launched his own investigation and would order GKN to preserve records, according to NBC4.
Rep. Derek Tran, D-Garden Grove told the station he, too, has called for an investigation and wants the company “take ownership of this.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta cautioned anyone who would jack up prices on needed items during a state of emergency.
“California’s price-gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food and other essential supplies,” he said. “If you see price gouging, I encourage you to immediately file a complaint with my office online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office.”
In announcing the new tipline, the DA’s office sought information about GKN Aerospace’s operations.
“Anyone with information related to the circumstances leading up to this incident, including but not limited to specific details of the release, information about the industrial operations of the facility, the quality and frequency of maintenance of the tanks and systems at issue, and any other relevant information at GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, is encouraged to call the Orange County District Attorney Anonymous Tip Hotline at 714-347-8714 or fill out an anonymous online form at www.ocdistrictattorney.gov,” the office stated.
GKN Aerospace paid about $900,000 to settle multiple environmental violations in 2021, including failing to keep emission records and operating equipment without a permit, according to the Orange County Register, which cited the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
All Bonta cares about with respect to this disaster is price gouging? Unmitigated fool!