Rockdale County in Georgia is taking significant legal action against the chemical plant BioLab by filing a federal lawsuit in the wake of a massive fire at their Conyers facility. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the lawsuit alleges that the company constitutes a public nuisance, particularly after the fire on September 29, 2024, led to a massive release of chemicals into the air, health concerns, and prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders.
After releasing toxic chemicals, causing a fire that forced schools and businesses to close and thousands to evacuate, the county is seeking damages for individuals and businesses impacted by the incident and an injunction to shut down the Conyers plant. As detailed by Rockdale County Commissioner Sherri L. Washington in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First, they are also tasking the Napoli Shkolnik Law Firm with representing them, which brings experience in litigating environmental cases against large corporations to the table.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the cause of the fire, which became more problematic due to a sprinkler system activating and reacting with water-reactive chemicals. This facility has been in operation since 1973 and has a history of similar destructive incidents, including fires in May 2004, June 2015, and as recently as September 2020, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Commissioner Washington has expressed a determination to see BioLab leave the community owing to repeated instances of negligence. "BioLab has not been forthcoming in giving information to county officials," Washington told Atlanta News First, and mentioned how they failed to attend a press conference or reimburse the county for emergency services during the fire. The firm of Napoli Shkolnik is also prepared to conduct a thorough investigation into the explosion and its long-term ramifications for the county.
The ramifications of the fire were felt beyond the immediate area, with chemical plumes affecting air quality in parts of metro Atlanta. Despite being a source of employment, the repeated threats to public safety and health from BioLab have pushed Rockdale County officials to also demand the facility's permanent closure.
Rockdale County is not just standing up for compensatory damages; they also advocate for setting a precedent for corporate accountability. Attorney Shayna Sacks of Napoli Shkolnik emphasized their goal to enhance corporate responsibility, indicating they were open to negotiations if it would lead to a swift and just resolution. The county plans to hold a town hall meeting to hear directly from residents affected by the fire, as mentioned by Atlanta News First, though a specific date is yet to be announced.
