ANAHEIM, Calif. — GKN Aerospace has announced plans for a significant claims program, establishing a fund of up to $100 million for residents and businesses affected by the May evacuation in Garden Grove. The program aims to provide compensation for eligible expenses and losses directly related to the incident. GKN Aerospace anticipates beginning the processing of these claims in fall 2026. Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to file a claim, are expected to be announced soon, with residents and businesses directed to gkngg.com for the latest information and updates.
This announcement follows ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the chemical incident. The removal of chemicals from two storage tanks at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove was set to begin on Monday, June 29. This work followed the chemical scare over the Memorial Day weekend, which necessitated the initial evacuation, as well as an earlier attempted removal in early June. The removal of dried, neutralized methyl methacrylate from the tanks was scheduled to take place over several days, concluding by Wednesday, July 2. Both the Orange County Health Care Agency and the South Coast Air Quality Management District are overseeing this cleanup process.
During the cleanup and removal, residents and others in the affected area may experience some passing odors, described as fruity or plastic-like smells. However, authorities have stated that any air exposure is expected to remain below levels of concern. Earlier in June, the Orange County Health Care Agency confirmed that the cleanup was taking place with no larger safety concerns, despite the strong odor produced by the chemical, which is used to create hard plastics, even at concentrations well below any health thresholds. The agency is responsible for handling the removal of the tank material, which is then hauled away for safe disposal, and has assured the public there are no concerns with going about daily activities in west Anaheim or surrounding areas.
Prior to GKN Aerospace's direct claims program, assistance was made available through other channels. The United Way Orange County’s OC Community Resilience Fund, which received funding from GKN Aerospace, closed on June 12 after accepting more than 6,100 applications. This fund provided a one-time $500 assistance for impacted evacuees. Work continues to process these remaining applications. It was noted by local sources that certain types of resident assistance typically seen following natural disasters, such as fires or storms, were not available due to a private company being responsible for the incident.
In addition to the United Way fund, low-interest federal disaster loans became available for impacted small businesses and nonprofits through the Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans are accessible to eligible small businesses and nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, in Anaheim, Stanton, Garden Grove, Buena Park, and other neighboring areas. Designed to help with financial losses directly related to the May 21-26 incident, the loans cover working capital for expenses like debt, payroll, and bills. Amounts can reach up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with terms extending up to 30 years. The SBA noted that interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until a year after the date of the first loan funding, with specific amounts and terms determined by each applicant's financial situation. SBA representatives were on hand at a Garden Grove recovery center, starting June 16, to assist with applications and answer questions.
The initial incident led to widespread evacuations, all of which were officially lifted by Monday, May 28, though a restricted access area of approximately 150 feet around the tank remained for ongoing work. The scene's management transitioned from county and city emergency responders to the OC Health Care Agency, tasked with overseeing site cleanup and waste removal operations. Four remaining shelters, including one located at Savanna High School in Anaheim, wound down their operations following the lifting of the evacuation orders. Residents seeking further information on the incident have been directed to OCgov.com or a specific county phone number. Separately, several pending lawsuits have been filed against GKN Aerospace, though the city of Anaheim has stated it is not involved in any litigation at this time.
