Evacuation Order Partially Lifted for Californians Near Damaged Chemical Tank

Early on Friday, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control announced that the evacuation order issued last week for residents living near the damaged chemical tank on Highway 99 has been lifted for a portion of the affected area. The decision came after a series of air and water samples showed levels well within state safety thresholds.

“Our teams have been on the ground around the clock, testing, monitoring, and communicating with the community,” said the department’s spokesperson, Maria Alvarez. “We’re confident the immediate risk has subsided, but we’ll keep a vigilant eye on the site.”

The tank, which stores a large quantity of sodium hydroxide, suffered a structural breach during a minor earthquake on May 22. The rupture released a plume of alkaline mist that prompted the initial evacuation of roughly 1,200 residents in the nearby towns of Riverbend and Oakridge.

While the majority of households can now return, a small pocket of homes on the north side of the facility remains under a precautionary hold. Officials cite the need for continued groundwater testing in that specific zone before giving the all‑clear.

Emergency responders set up a temporary decontamination station at the edge of the evacuation zone, providing showers and protective gear to anyone who might have been exposed. “We’re not taking any chances with public health,” Alvarez emphasized, noting that the station will stay operational for another 48 hours.

Local school districts have already resumed normal classes, and businesses along the main boulevard are slowly reopening. Yet, the city council plans a town hall meeting later this week to address lingering concerns and to outline the long‑term remediation plan for the site.

Residents who were displaced are being offered assistance through state‑funded housing vouchers and a small stipend to help replace lost belongings. “It’s a relief to be back, but the whole experience has been unsettling,” said one homeowner, Jenna Morales, who stayed with relatives during the evacuation.

The incident serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability, especially for facilities that house hazardous materials. State officials say they’ll conduct a comprehensive review of storage protocols and consider stricter building standards for similar sites moving forward.