The massive chemical fire at BioLab in September didn’t just send plumes of toxic smoke into the air—it left a community grappling with health issues, environmental fears, and demands for justice. Now, residents in Conyers are calling for the plant’s closure, saying enough is enough.
🔥 Why It Matters: Thousands were evacuated, dozens sought medical care, and businesses were forced to close following the disaster. For residents, this isn’t just a crisis—it’s a long-term battle for their health and safety in the shadow of corporate negligence.
💬 What’s Happening: At a packed community forum Tuesday night, more than 100 residents gathered to demand that Rockdale County revoke BioLab’s business license. In fact, they want the county commission to revoke the license by the end of this week.
👥 Between the Lines: This fight goes beyond Conyers. Two advocates from East Palestine, Ohio—a community devastated by a 2023 chemical disaster—attended the meeting, offering advice and solidarity. Their message was clear: organize, demand accountability, and never stop asking tough questions.
Residents pushed local officials to prioritize public health over corporate profits, with some questioning whether the county values the revenue it receives from BioLab’s presence in the county over the lives of county residents.
⏳ Catch Up Quick: The BioLab fire in September forced the evacuation of 1,700 residents, sending a plume of smoke across Rockdale County and metro Atlanta. It’s the second major incident at the plant since 2020, raising questions about oversight and safety standards.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
