Lawmakers call for Conyers Biolab shutdown amid lingering chemical hazards

Calls to close Biolab grow louder

There are growing calls by state leaders and residents of Rockdale County to close the Biolab facility. This comes as a smoke plum with levels of chlorine and hydrochloric acid continues to spew from the site days after a chemical fire.

CONYERS, Ga. - Frustration spreads to the state Capitol as they call for Biolab in Conyers to shut down for good. This comes as a chemical plume is still shooting in the air after a fire on Sunday.

"We are here today because this disaster has reminded us that we do not have to live like this. This isn't just a Rockdale County problem, but it's become a metro Atlanta problem," Devin Barrington-Ward, with the Black Futurist Group, said.

Barrington-Ward gathered with others calling for a closure, accountability, and restitution.

"Sheltering in a place where the doors and windows are closed, and it's 90 degrees in the house, and the fumes you smell them," said Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Georgia's 4th congressional district.

Rep. Johnson says there have been several unreported incidents from the company. He says the company has a history of being cited and not complying with regulations.

"Calling on officials to declare a state of emergency, so emergency relief funds can flow to the people of Rockdale County," Johnson said.

During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Brian Kemp said he and his team are monitoring the situation.

For those living and trying to make a living in Rockdale County, it has been hard.

"I heard from several businesses that shut their doors for good and closed. They said, ‘Rep. Taylor, in one day I lost $8,000,’"said state Rep. Rhonda Taylor, D-Conyers.

RELATED:

There have been no updated statements from Rockdale County officials.

Government buildings remain closed for the remainder of the week.

Schools will return from fall break next week but in a virtual capacity for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Biolab facility plume FAQ

Rockdale County officials released the following frequently asked questions and asnwers:

Q What are the chemicals being detected by EPA air monitoring?

A. Chlorine, chloramine and chlorine compounds | EPA air quality detectors are monitoring the following as well: Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Chloride, Phosgene

Q. Is the water safe?

A. Rockdale County's drinking water remains safe. Water samples are being tested three times daily, and all results have returned safe levels. Streams downstream from the Biolab facility do not feed into the Hanes Watershed, the source of Rockdale County's drinking water.

Q. Why is the shelter in place only for the evening?

A. In the evening atmospheric inversion is occurring trapping air and pollution, and the harmful chemicals closer to the ground. This causes unhealthy spikes in air quality for people not sheltering in place in the evening.

Q. Why is it different than during the day?

A. During the day, the sun heats the Earth's surface, warms the air near the ground. At night, with no sunlight, the ground loses heat and the air near the surface cools. The air higher up doesn't cool as fast, so you end up with cooler air near the ground creating inversion. The recommended shelter in place is 7pm as the sun is beginning to set.

Q. What are the possible reactions to chlorine compounds?

A. Smoke that contains chlorine compounds can cause various symptoms including irritation of the eyes and airways, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Q. If you are feeling sick, what do you do?

A. It's important to protect your health from the plume that contains chlorine compounds. Here's what you can do: o Stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. o Keep your home's air clean by closing windows and doors. Use your air conditioner only if it recirculates indoor air.

Older adults, children, and those with weakened immune systems should limit time outside to avoid smoke.
If you have asthma or lung issues, follow your doctor's advice on managing your condition.
While chlorine levels are currently safe, follow local emergency guidelines. If you experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or the Georgia Poison Center at 404-856-6252.

Biolab chemical plume: Shelters open in Henry County

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter in Henry County to aid Rockdale County residents evacuated due to a chemical fire in Conyers. The temporary shelter, located at the Fairview Recreation Center at 35 Austin Rd., Stockbridge, opened at 7 p.m. Thursday and will offer safe sleeping accommodations to evacuees.

The shelter is available in response to ongoing environmental concerns caused by the fire, which prompted the Red Cross to seek support from Henry County. However, evacuees are advised that meals and transportation will not be provided, and they should bring their own food and arrange transportation.