Item 357/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To: Lisa L. Kim From: Omar Sandoval
Dept: City Manager Dept: City Attorney
Date: 9/22/2026
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution extending the proclamation of a local emergency concerning the expected failure of chemical tanks on property located 12122 Western Avenue. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the City Council to adopt a resolution extending the proclamation of the local emergency related to the chemical tanks on property located at 12122 Western Avenue for an additional 60 days.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On May 22, 2026, effective 9:30 a.m., the City Manager acting as the Director of Emergency Services adopted a proclamation declaring a local emergency due to the expected failure of chemical tanks on property located at 12122 Western Avenue.
At the time of the proclamation, one of three chemical tanks with approximately 34,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate showed evidence of failure with releases of vapors and the possibility of an explosion leading to major damage to surrounding properties and possible contamination of the local air quality at levels hazardous to humans and animals. The Orange County Fire Authority issued an evacuation order within the area bounded by Garden Grove Blvd. to the south, Springdale St. to the west, Orangewood Ave. to the north, and Dale St. to the east, affecting the City of Stanton in addition to Garden Grove. This area was later expanded to Valley View St. to the west, Trask Ave. to the south, and Ball Rd. to the north, also affecting the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Seal Beach, and Westminster, with approximately 40,000 residents in the expanded area.
On May 26, 2026, the City Council ratified the existence of the local emergency. On June 23, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9991-26 extending the local emergency for 60 days through September 23, 2026.
Although the expected failure of the chemical tanks has been abated, cleanup and remediation efforts continue at the site. Two of the three chemical tanks were completely Item 357/2026
drained, the failed tank continues in its red-tag condition, and the assessment and determination of whether the tanks will be removed from the site has not been completed.
Government Code 8630(c) requires that the City Council review the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every 60 days until the City Council terminates the local emergency.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total financial impact associated with the emergency response is still being reviewed.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Adopt the Resolution extending the proclamation of a local emergency concerning the chemical tanks on property located 12122 Western Avenue through November 22, 2026.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution