Following the devastating fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers, Rockdale County has lifted its shelter-in-place advisory as of September 30. Residents were initially advised to stay indoors due to air quality concerns, with the EPA monitoring for harmful chemicals, notably chlorine gas, which was detected during the early stages of the fire. However, recent updates indicate that air quality levels are now well below harmful action levels, and the situation is deemed safe for the public.
Emergency management teams have also confirmed that Rockdale County’s water supply is unaffected, and all public services, including businesses and most county facilities, will resume operations as usual.
The EPA will continue to monitor air quality, although residents may still notice smoke in the air as the remaining fumes dissipate.
On Sunday, the fire caused significant disruption, leading to the evacuation of over 17,000 residents from affected areas. There has been growing public concern over the facility, with a petition gaining traction for its closure due to fears of chemical exposure and safety risks. This incident is not the first at the BioLab facility, as a similar fire in 2020 raised questions about its operational safety.
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The full recovery from the incident is ongoing, with authorities closely monitoring air and environmental conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay updated via official Rockdale County channels for any new developments.