County is working with EPA to monitor air quality
Update from Walton County at 1 p.m. Sept. 30
Here is the latest update from the EPA for a 50 mile radius of Rockdale County. It is still our recommendation to stay indoors.
All Walton County Parks and Recreation activities and practices have been cancelled for today out of an abundance of caution.
“EPA is monitoring air quality for chlorine and related compounds. Current data suggests chemical levels in the air are unlikely to cause harm to most people. This data and further updates will be shared with the public. Follow guidance from your county EMA. If you have concerns, limit your time outdoors, close windows, and turn off any ventilation systems.”
Walton County Emergency Emergency Management Agency gave the following update at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, regarding the cloudy air over the county as a result of yesterday’s fire at the BioLab Chemical plant in Conyers.
“While it’s still recommended to stay indoors, the air is safe to breathe. The air is not toxic, but may still irritate those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. We are working with the EPA to continually monitor the air quality.”
Walton County Government added this update on its social media page.
“The wind from the fire is blowing back towards Walton County. We are working with the EPA to monitor the levels of air pollution. While it’s still recommended to stay indoors, the air is safe to breathe. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions should still shelter. The fog throughout the county is caused by the weather according to the National Weather Service.
The Regional EPD office can be reached by calling 404-735-7200 or 800-879-4363 for any questions.”
Contributed photos from a ride on Highway 78 to Snellville Monday morning.
A representative from the BioLab sent an updated statement this 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.”
However, we still have not had a response from BioLab to questions on potential risks to those outside of the immediate vicinity of the fire, but under the cloud of smoke over neighboring communities, such as Walton County. We are also asking about impacts on livestock that can’t be brought inside. We will update when we get a response.
Contributed photo: Smoke cloud in Monroe Sunday following fire at BioLab in Conyers.
Update: 4:15 p.m. update from Walton County Emergency Management Agency Director Carl Morrow. Call 911 if you have trouble breathing but at this time there is no cause for alarm
“Wind blowing from the chemical incident in Conyers will create a chlorine smell in Walton County. At this time there is no cause for alarm and the air pollution is sufficiently dissipated. It is recommended to stay indoors. If you feel like you have trouble breathing, call 911 or seek medical help. Walton County EMA is monitoring the situation and we will advise if there are future updates.”
Update: Brad Nitz, meteorologist with WSBTV, reported on X that the fire on Rockdale County is being detected on Smoketracker and the southwest wind is blowing the smoke across Walton County. Residents are reporting smoke and ash debris at some local areas. Walton County Emergency Management director Carl Morrow shared the following alert for Walton County residents
“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.”
Newton County authorities announced that all exits on I-20 East and West in Rockdale County are closed due to a BioLab fire and chemical spill. Additionally, all lanes on I-20 East and West are closed from Salem Road to Turner Hill. Newton County is not affected by the smoke, as the wind is blowing it west of I-20.
WALTON COUNTY, GA (Sept. 29, 2024) – Walton County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Craig League announced that WCFR and Social Circle Fire Department are each sending a truck and crew to help with the fire at the BioLab Chemical fire in Conyers in Rockdale County Sunday.
League said WCFR is sending Engine 11 with two personnel and SCFD’s Chief Ken Zaydel confirmed Social Circle Fire is sending Ladder 6 with four personnel. League said they don’t know at this time how they will be assisting. but that it does appear that the severity of the fire is increasing.
“We won’t know until we report to command post,” League said, confirming however that they do have proper breathing equipment and PPE.
Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency announced the fire this morning in a Social Media Post.
“At approximately 5 a.m., a sprinkler head malfunctioned at Biolab in Conyers, GA. The water came in contact with a water-reactive chemical and produced a plume. A small fire broke out on the roof. Rockdale Fire responded quickly and contained the fire,” Rockdale County EMA announced. However, the situation appeared to worsen and League said they have now been asked to assist.
A representative from BioLab in Conyers released the following statement.
“We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Georgia. Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation. As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority.”
Many areas have been evacuated with the latest evacuation area given by Rockdale County appears below. I.20 has been closed off in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill. Call EMA hotline if you need assistance 770-278-8300.
The new location for evacuees is Wolverine Gym, 8134 Geiger St. in Newton County – new location as at 3:10 p.m. (3:10 PM) SCOUT CAMP: 218 Scout Road. Covington, GA 30016
To stay up to date, visit the following page: https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/updates-on-bio-fire-9-29-24/ or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RockdaleGov. I-20 will be blocked off in both directions between Salem Rd and Turner Hill. Call EMA hotline if you need assistance 770-278-8300.
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