Residents east of Atlanta were once again advised to take shelter in place on Tuesday as a chemical cloud drifted over their neighborhood due to winds shifting the plume from a fire at a chemical plant. The shelter-in-place order had been lifted Monday evening for over 90,000 people closest to the BioLab plant in Conyers, where a fire had caused a massive plume of orange and black smoke to fill the sky on Sunday.
Complaints of a strong chemical smell and haze were reported for miles around the plant, prompting Rockdale County officials to urge residents to shelter in place if the cloud moved over their vicinity. The fire was brought under control on Sunday afternoon, but officials continued to address hot spots in the wreckage on Monday as the polluting smoke lingered due to minimal crosswinds.
The BioLab plant, a division of KIK Consumer Products, specializes in swimming pool and spa water care. Concerns arose as company officials did not specify the burning products, leading to frustration among residents. The Atlanta Fire Department conducted tests for chemicals like chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide.
Federal authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and its management. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the potential risks posed to tens of thousands of individuals. While the chemical smell persisted on Monday, no immediate life safety issues were identified.
Residents in various areas reported discomfort from the haze and chemical odor, with some experiencing headaches and respiratory issues. Evacuations and shelter-in-place orders were issued for different regions, with school closures and activity cancellations implemented as a precaution.
The Conyers complex has a history of destructive fires, with incidents dating back to 2004. Previous fires at the site have resulted in evacuations, injuries to firefighters, and environmental hazards. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and investigating safety protocols at the facility to prevent future catastrophes.
