Five OC cities ratify emergency declarations over chemical tank crisis

Five Orange County cities formally ratified local emergency declarations this week over a faulty GKN Aerospace chemical tank that forced the evacuation of 50,000 residents over Memorial Day weekend, as officials laid out plans to survey chemical storage facilities and pursue state and federal disaster assistance, Voice of OC reported.

The formal ratifications — by Westminster, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Stanton and Cypress — unlock pathways to state and federal reimbursement for the approximately 150 businesses and thousands of residents displaced by the incident, which affected six OC cities in total. Officials are now focused on economic impact surveys, chemical storage inspections and tighter regulations to prevent a recurrence.

Westminster's city council voted 4-0 to ratify its emergency declaration and direct staff to pursue state and federal disaster assistance, according to Voice of OC. Westminster City Manager Christine Cordon, speaking at Wednesday's meeting, said her office is in the early stages of identifying available resources. "Our economic development manager will help with businesses, and our team has been in contact with some of the other agencies. If there is going to be available funding, we just don't know what that looks like yet. Unfortunately, it's a few layers above what we can provide but if there's an opportunity, we'll be able to provide that information out," Cordon said.

GKN Aerospace Senior Vice President Steve Carlin, in an emailed response to Voice of OC questions Wednesday evening, acknowledged the company's responsibility. "We are committed to understanding what occurred and identifying ways we can support those affected," Carlin said.

In Anaheim, officials moved to assess chemical storage risks across the city. Councilman Ryan Balius called for a comprehensive facility survey. "When fire gets back and they get rested up, I'd like them to go out and survey the businesses that are in the in Anaheim and identify if we have any of the same chemical storage or hazmat or hazard conditions that exist and then triple check the safety systems out there to make sure that that something like this doesn't happen in Anaheim," Balius said, according to Voice of OC.

Councilman Carlos Leon asked staff to return with resolutions urging state and federal leaders to tighten chemical storage regulations. "I don't want to put the cart before the horse. I know there's a lot of learning that we still have to do as to the how and why we got to this situation, but as proactive as we can be, we can urge our state and federal representatives to address this on their side," Leon said.

Anaheim City Spokesman Mike Lyster said the city is already working to connect residents and businesses with potential aid. "We are already in the early stages of trying to explore whatever resources may be available for both our businesses and residents," Lyster said at Wednesday's special meeting. An estimated 150 businesses fell within Anaheim's evacuation zone, and cities are conducting economic impact surveys to determine the full scope of compensation needed, Voice of OC reported.

GKN Aerospace said it remains dedicated to transparency and community recovery. "Our focus remains on supporting the community, working closely with authorities, and continuing to ensure a safe and responsible path forward. I am personally committed to working with the Garden Grove, Stanton, and broader Orange County communities on these efforts," Carlin said in his statement to Voice of OC.