Shelter-in-place order remains in place for 2-mile radius around BioLab facility
BioLab chemical disaster: New guidance on day 8
In the fallout of the BioLab chemical disaster, Rockdale County officials have new guidance for the public Monday night. It’s now been eight days since the chemical plant first caught fire. Amid health concerns officials have scaled back the nightly shelter-in-place.
ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. - Eight days ago, a fire broke out at the BioLab chemical plant in Rockdale County, releasing chemical-filled smoke into the air. Officials have since revised their public safety guidance amid persistent health concerns.
The nightly shelter-in-place order for the entire county expired at 7 a.m. Monday, a new one is in place between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. for a 2-mile zone around the facility. Businesses are asked to remain closed during that time.
"We still have a crisis," said Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chair Oz Nesbitt Sr. "There are times where it’s just as clear as anywhere else in America, but at other times we’re working with very hazardous chemicals."
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Right now, it is unknown how long it will take to resolve the issue caused by the fire by BioLab.
Conyers residents are seeking clarity from county, fire, and EPA officials on the real risks posed by the BioLab aftermath.
Destry Carrasquillo, who owns Rio's Italian Ice Cream, took proactive measures by closing his recently opened store. But, not without uncertainty over the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew.
"What makes anything better during the day?" he asked. "And no one really provided that information to me."
Officials say that they understand that residents and business owners are frustrated by the situation, but they are obligated to do what they think is best to keep everyone safe.
"When the temperatures drop and dew sets in, it creates a plume at ground level that it’s more safe for the citizens to be in place at that time," Rockdale EMA Director Sharon Webb said, trying to explain the rationale.
Late last week, the decision was made that Rockdale County students would attend classes from home on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. However, government buildings reopened after being closed for a week.
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The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday and may vote to enact a state of emergency for the county.
Many residents are calling for the closure of BioLab following multiple incidents over the past decade.
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