CONYERS — Rockdale County, Georgia, is gearing up to initiate a federal lawsuit aimed at closing down the BioLab chemical facility, following a recent fire that released a toxic cloud over the suburbs of Atlanta. This incident is part of an ongoing pattern of hazardous situations that have led to evacuations in the area.
During a press conference on Monday, County Commissioner Sherri Washington expressed her resolve, stating, “We want them gone.” She elaborated on the situation, highlighting the significant physical, mental, and emotional stress that residents have endured due to the company’s alleged negligence. Washington vowed to advocate for the community relentlessly until the factory is shut down.
Following the fire, which occurred last month, numerous residents and business owners from Rockdale have filed over a dozen lawsuits. The county is poised to file its legal action as soon as county commissioners approve a contract with a legal firm in their upcoming meeting. The intentions behind this lawsuit are to hold BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, responsible for their alleged negligence and misconduct, which includes seeking remediation and compensation for damages inflicted on the local community.
As of now, BioLab has not provided any comments regarding the impending lawsuit. The company, which produces pool chemicals, has been a fixture in Rockdale County since 1973 and is noted as one of the region’s largest employers, significantly contributing to the county’s tax base, as reported by local news sources.
However, BioLab’s operations have frequently been marred by accidents. Historical records indicate that there have been multiple hazardous incidents in previous years, notably in 2004, 2016, and 2020, all of which prompted the evacuation or sheltering of local residents.
The fire last month at the Conyers plant, located approximately 25 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, resulted in a noticeable chemical odor and haze that affected a large area. This led local authorities to order the evacuation of around 17,000 residents and to instruct more than 90,000 individuals to shelter in place. The incident also caused disruptions in various sectors, including the closure of businesses and the cancellation of outdoor school activities.
In an attempt to address the situation, BioLab has announced its commitment to remediation and has established a Community Assistance Center to help affected residents and business owners file claims. The company claims that this center has assisted approximately 300 community members, while a dedicated 24/7 call center has reported aiding over 7,500 callers with claims and reimbursements.
Attorney Shayna Sacks from the New York-based law firm Napoli Shkolnik, which is collaborating with Rockdale County, indicated that the county is open to negotiations that can facilitate “swift and just resolutions” regarding their concerns. Sacks also underscored the dual aim of their legal efforts: to resolve the immediate issues while also setting a standard for greater corporate accountability and responsibility concerning environmental and community impacts.