What to KnowA community claims program of up to $100 million has been established for Orange County residents evacuated during the Garden Grove chemical tank crisis in May.About 50,000 residents in Garden Grove and Stanton were evacuated during Memorial Day weekend as authorities worked to neutralize the toxic chemical inside a tank at GKN Aerospace. People forced to evacuate can submit claims to be reimbursed for expenses, including hotel stays, loss of use, and per diem compensation for meals, transportation, and loss of wages.More details about the program, expected to open this fall, will be announced in the coming weeks, GKN said.Ultimately, a crack in the damaged tank relieved pressure, allowing authorities to give the all-clear for residents to return home days after the crisis began.
A community claims program of up to $100 million has been established for Orange County residents who were evacuated for days due to the May chemical storage tank crisis in Garden Grove, it was announced Monday.
About 50,000 residents in Garden Grove and Stanton were evacuated during Memorial Day weekend as authorities worked to neutralize the toxic chemical inside the tank at the GKN Aerospace facility. Days of uncertainty began with reports of overheating and pressure building in one of the toxic chemical storage tanks. Firefighters said it appeared the tank would either explode or spill its toxic contents after a problem with the valve used to release pressure.
Ultimately, a crack in the damaged tank relieved pressure, allowing authorities to give the all-clear for residents to return home days later.
The negotiated claims program will be administered by an independent third party not affiliated with GKN, the prosecutors office said. Residents and businesses forced to evacuate due to the blast threat can submit claims to be reimbursed for expenses, including hotel stays, loss of use, and per diem compensation for meals, transportation, and loss of wages, the DA’s office said.
More details about the program, expected to open this fall, will be announced in the coming weeks, GKN said.
“This facility has been part of Garden Grove for 60 years, and the claims program we’re announcing today reflects how seriously we take our responsibility to our neighbors,” said GKN Senior Vice President Steve Carlin. “From the outset, GKN has pledged to make things right, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we worked closely with local officials to finalize the best path forward.”
About 14,000 gallons of the chemical was removed at GKN Aerospace, according to officials. Hetty Chang reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The company said it will host community events to provide more details on the claims process and provided updates on its website.
An estimated 13,000 to 17,000 households were evacuated during the five-day period, beginning May 21. They included properties within a potential blast radius map released to the public that showed which areas would be affected by an explosion and resulting toxic chemical plume.
The prosecutors office also is negotiating with GKN for additional reimbursement for first responders and emergency service agencies.
The Orange County District Attorney earlier announced a criminal investigation into the crisis, which District Attorney Todd Spitzer said is proceeding to negotiations toward a civil disposition with GKN.
In late June, hazardous materials teams began removing thousands of gallons of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from storage tanks.
Earlier in June, Orange County approved an allocation of $500,000 to help reimburse residents who were impacted by the evacuation order.
The company, which manufacturers parts for military aircraft, has targeted late September to resume operations. The facility began operations in 1966 and employs about 500 local residents.