Gwinnett County officials reassure concerned residents after BioLab fire
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Residents across Gwinnett County woke up to a haze of thick smoke and a strong smell of chlorine Monday morning, prompting concern and a flood of calls to emergency services. A chemical plant fire in neighboring Rockdale County is believed to be the cause, spewing chlorine and hydrochloric acid into the air.
"It’s just very scary, especially like, with the hurricane coming through, and now this," said Estrella Venga, a bartender from Lawrenceville, expressing the anxiety shared by many locals.
The FOX 5 viewer tipline and the county's 911 center were inundated with calls, as residents reported the unusual haze and smell. Gwinnett County’s emergency services confirmed receiving 179 air quality-related calls. Despite the unusual conditions, local officials assured the public there is no immediate health risk.
Gwinnett County officials held a press conference early Monday afternoon to discuss the chemical fire on Sunday at BioLab in Rockdale County.
According to officials, a malfunctioning sprinklerhead resulted in water coming in contact with a water-reactive chemical inside BioLab in Conyers early Sunday morning between 5 and 5:30 a.m. The reaction resulted in a small fire, which later reignited, and a massive plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.
Approximately 17,000 residents in the immediate area were evacuated and thousands of others were told to shelter in place. Interstate 20 was closed in both directions in the area and multiple road closures were put into place. Schools and businesses also began announcing closures on Monday.
Chief Frederick Cephas of Gwinnett County Fire and Rescue explained that a hazardous materials team had been dispatched to monitor air quality throughout the area. "We found no areas of concern," Cephas said, which is why county officials decided not to issue a shelter-in-place order.
In Loganville, a dense haze loomed over neighborhoods, and visibility was reduced to less than a mile in Dacula. At Gwinnett County’s Briscoe Air Field, the smoke appeared to drop directly onto the taxiways.
"I woke up this morning in a bit of a panic with that strange haze and stench of chlorine in the air," said a local resident, who was one of many concerned about the smoke’s impact on health.
Around downtown Lawrenceville, some people were seen wearing masks to protect themselves. "Wearing the mask, walking around, trying to get through everything without having to breathe in or inhale anything," said Aoki Griffin-Jones, a high school student. "The pandemic kind of skills kicking in."
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that they are actively monitoring the plume’s direction. While the air quality in Gwinnett County remains under watch, there is no current health concern for residents.
"We’re trying to keep the doors shut unless we need to open it," Venga added, as she continued her shift in a cautious environment.
Though the smoke disrupted much of the metro Atlanta area, Gwinnett County officials remain confident in their assessment that the situation does not pose a significant health risk at this time.
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BioLab released an updated statement on Monday morning:
"Our top priority is ensuring the community’s safety, and our teams are working around-the-clock to respond to the ongoing situation at our facility in Conyers, Georgia. We continue to work collaboratively with first responders and local authorities and have deployed specialized teams from out of state to the site to bolster and support their efforts. We are all focused on remediating the situation as rapidly as possible."
Gwinnett County press conference
During the press conference, Gwinnett officials shared that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not found dangerous levels of chemicals in the air. While the EPA advises those directly in the plume to stay inside, they have not issued a shelter-in-place order. Gwinnett’s Hazardous Materials team has also not detected anything harmful.
Gwinnett County Schools initially canceled outdoor after-school activities but later reversed the decision, allowing events to continue.
The City of Atlanta also issued a statement on Monday saying that the latest test results show there is "no immediate life safety issues." The statement also says that the haze is beginning to clear from the city.
Statement from DeKalb County
DeKalb Emergency Management Agency says it is aware of numerous reports of air quality concerns in the county following the chemical fire in Conyers, but there are no current advisories from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for DeKalb County concerning air quality. DEMA and DeKalb County Fire Rescue are testing air quality throughout the day around the county and will issue advisories should they become necessary. Residents are advised to call 311 to report any air quality concerns.
Statement from Barrow County Fire Department
The Barrow County Fire Department posted the following on social media:
Residents in and around Barrow County have reported noticeable haze in the area. The Barrow County Fire Department would like to assure the community that this haze is not the result of any fires or activities at Cowart Mulch.
The Fire Department is actively monitoring air quality and working with local and state agencies to determine the source of the haze. At this time, there are no immediate health risks, but residents are encouraged to stay informed and limit outdoor activities if they have respiratory conditions.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Gwinnett County government
Gwinnett County Government sent the following:
We’ve received calls from residents in parts of the county reporting haze and a chemical smell believed to be related to the BioLab chemical plant fire in Rockdale County. A low-pressure system has pushed fog into the area, and a lack of wind is causing the smell to linger. The smell should dissipate in a couple of hours as the wind direction shifts.
Our Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the situation, and we are awaiting guidance from the EPA as to any hazards that may be present in this smoke. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.Gwinnett County Government
At this time, we are awaiting guidance from the EPA as to any hazards that may be present in this smoke. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Walton County government
Walton County posted the following on social media:
The fire at Biolab Chemical Plant in Rockdale County is approximately 90% out. Walton Fire crews helping in Rockdale County have been released from duty. Winds have shifted to S/SE so any smoke is headed South toward Henry County and away from Walton County. We will continue to monitor and provide information we obtain from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Walton County EMA is aware of what is happening in our neighboring county of Rockdale. We are monitoring the situation and would advise that if you smell a chlorine odor you should turn off your air conditioners, turn on your ceiling fans, and if possible bring your outside animals indoors. If you experience any trouble breathing or any other medical emergency call 911. As for now, sheltering in place is the best option.