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NewsNBC4 Los Angeles — Orange CountyJune 28, 2026Orange

Hazardous Chemical Cleanup Begins at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove

Cleanup crews are beginning the removal of hazardous methyl methacrylate (MMA) from the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove starting Monday. The operation follows a May 21 chemical emergency that previously forced thousands of residents to evacuate.

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Read the full story at NBC4 Los Angeles — Orange County

Why It Matters

Residents near 12122 Western Ave. may experience intermittent fruity odors during the cleanup, which is scheduled to occur Monday through Thursday during daylight hours.

Key Facts

  • Cleanup operations begin Monday at 12122 Western Ave. in Garden Grove.
  • Work will occur Monday through Thursday during daylight hours only.
  • Crews are removing neutralized methyl methacrylate (MMA) from two storage tanks.
  • The cleanup is managed by a unified command including the Orange County Health Care Agency, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and GKN Aerospace.
  • Continuous air monitoring will be conducted at the facility and in the surrounding community.
  • Residents may notice intermittent fruity odors, which officials state may occur below levels associated with health concerns.
  • The initial emergency began on May 21 due to an overheated chemical tank.
  • Approximately 40,000 people were evacuated from Garden Grove and Stanton during the May 21 incident.
  • Residents can track air quality and cleanup progress at occupainfo.com.

Who's Mentioned

locationGarden Grove“The city where the facility is located and where residents were previously evacu”organizationOrange County Health Care Agency“Part of the unified command coordinating the cleanup.”organizationSouth Coast Air Quality Management District“Part of the unified command coordinating the cleanup.”organizationGKN Aerospace“The facility where the chemical cleanup is taking place.”location12122 Western Ave.“The address of the GKN Aerospace facility.”organizationFBI“Served a search warrant at the site on June 10.”