Schools in Decatur and Rockdale County are adjusting plans as the chemical plume from a BioLab fire in Conyers lingers. Decatur schools are moving activities indoors, while Rockdale schools will switch to remote learning for part of next week.
Officials still cannot provide a clear timeline for when the cleanup will be completed.
What’s Happening: The fire at the BioLab facility was extinguished, but the water from sprinklers reacted with chlorine products, producing a chemical plume that continues to spread westward.
- The fire was doused Sunday, but water from the sprinklers reacted with chemicals, creating a hazardous plume.
- While adding chlorine to water is generally considered safe, that doesn’t work in reverse. Adding water to chlorine causes a dangerous reaction.
- Schools in Rockdale County are planning remote learning from Monday to Wednesday next week, impacting thousands of students returning from fall break.
Why It Matters: Air quality issues are hitting local communities, with potential health risks, school disruptions, and a lack of clarity about when life will return to normal. The spread of the chlorine plume, even at low levels, forces schools and businesses to take extra precautions, leaving residents uncertain about their daily routines.
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Between the Lines: While officials say chlorine levels are safe, they acknowledge the strong odor of chlorine can cause anxiety and discomfort for residents, especially with wind shifts spreading the smell westward.
- Chlorine levels in some areas exceeded safety thresholds on Wednesday morning, with peaks over 3.5 parts per million (ppm).
- Officials are asking residents to report symptoms like throat or eye irritation, even though no official advisories have been issued.
