Rockdale County Officials Address Biolab Chemical Plume, Urge Residents to Shelter In Place
On October 1, 2024, Rockdale County provided updates regarding the ongoing Biolab chemical plume incident. Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt Sr., Conyers Mayor Vince Evans, and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and local health officials assured the public that efforts are underway to manage the situation.
At 3:30 a.m. on October 1, Biolab reported an over-gassing issue that caused a chlorine plume to hover over Rockdale County, influenced by weather conditions. The EPA has been closely monitoring air quality, and residents are urged to shelter in place if they detect the plume or the smell of chlorine, particularly those with respiratory issues.
Biolab leadership is working with Rockdale County Fire Services to contain and neutralize the chemical plume. Controlled efforts are underway, and the EPA has confirmed that air quality levels remain below harmful thresholds for the general public.
Water Safety Rockdale County officials reassured residents that drinking water is safe, with water samples tested three times daily. The plume has not affected the county’s water supply, as streams downstream from Biolab do not feed into the Hanes Watershed, a key source of drinking water.
Health Recommendations Officials advised that daytime outdoor activity is generally safe, but those with respiratory conditions should remain indoors. Evening hours pose a greater risk due to atmospheric inversion, which could cause the plume to shift. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors after sundown and keep emergency alerts active on their mobile devices.
Facility Closures In response to the ongoing situation, Rockdale County Government offices, including the Courthouse and annexes, will remain closed for the rest of the week. For real-time air quality updates, residents can visit the EPA website at epa.gov/current-events.
Important Contact Information and Information Resources:
- For non-emergency inquiries, please call the Rockdale EMA hotline: 770-278-8300
- For non-emergency poison-related concerns, Georgia Poison Control has set up a special hotline: 404-856-6252.
- Air Quality Monitoring, visit epa.gov/currentevents
- GRN website for ongoing recommendations and updates: https://www.gnrhealth.com/biolab-chemical-fire-information/
- Rockdale County Website, www.rockdalecountyga.gov
- Rockdale County Facebook, www.facebook.com/RockdaleGov
