Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin provided an update on the chemical leak at an aerospace facility in Orange County, California, on May 24, 2026. The facility is currently under a state of emergency due to an overheated, pressurized tank containing methyl methacrylate, a toxic chemical. The tank's temperature is rising by approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit per hour, raising concerns in Garden Grove as emergency responders assess the situation.
On Sunday, Zeldin stated that the EPA anticipates the tank may fail, but various scenarios exist regarding the implications of that failure. He indicated that the most severe outcome could be an explosion, which would necessitate evacuations in surrounding areas. However, he also mentioned a more favorable scenario involving a low-volume release that local authorities could manage.
Firefighters discovered a potential crack in the tank that could relieve some pressure, which Zeldin described as a positive development. Efforts are underway to lower the tank's temperature, which was recorded at 90 degrees Fahrenheit as of Saturday evening, down from 77 degrees on Friday. The evacuation zone established around the facility affects six cities and tens of thousands of residents, with evacuation centers reaching full capacity.
Methyl methacrylate exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory issues, according to the EPA. The agency is monitoring the situation closely, and Zeldin emphasized that the current focus is on emergency response rather than environmental impact.
