The ongoing fallout from the chemical fire at BioLab in Rockdale County continues to ignite concern as recent demonstrations escalate calls for the shutdown of the plant. On Saturday, local residents rallied outside county offices, their demands clear: revoke BioLab's business license and hold the company accountable for what they deem neglect for community health and safety. Protesters like Monica Johnson, with the Coalition to Shut Down BioLab, argue for organization against corporations prioritizing profits over people, calling the need for action "urgent," according to a Atlanta News First interview.
This outcry comes after an EPA whistleblower independently discovered cancer-causing chemicals in the soil near the site of the September BioLab fire. Scott Smith, the environmental scientist leading the independent investigation, found specific semi-volatile organic compounds in the county's soil and confirmed the presence of dioxins, a group of compounds known to be linked to cancer. Carried by demonstrators, Smith’s findings were shared among residents like Cathy Breedlove, who discovered black debris in her yard following the fire. "We're really mad that this happened again…three times that we know of…that is not ok," Breedlove told FOX 5.
BioLab, while not manufacturing at present, has deflected some of the criticism. In a statement, a spokesperson from the chemical company asserted respect for the community's right to peaceful assembly and highlighted their collaboration with authorities in remediating the Warehouse fire. The spokesperson went on to highlight the continuous work to address the needs of area residents and business owners, having responded to thousands of inquiries. However, regarding the test results, the spokesperson did not issue a comment, as was noted in the same FOX 5 report.
Local resident Alex Boy, interviewed by Atlanta News First, illustrates the community's palpable anxiety, recalling the chemical plume from the fire and expressing fear for his wife and unborn baby. Speaking of the traumatic experience, Boy remembered having to yell at his wife to come inside away from what they presumed was clean air, a stark contrast to the assurance of safety BioLab claims to prioritize. "I can't expect to raise a kid if I have to constantly be in fear of having to (think) 'Where’s the gas mask? How do I put the gas mask on my little baby girl,'" Boy said to Atlanta News First.
Amidst the public pressure, Rockdale County officials have remained tight-lipped due to ongoing litigations, limiting discussion at county meetings, prompting further frustration among activists. "To see the commissioners pretend like litigation prevents the public from speaking, out of control," Johnson expressed. Plans for the BioLab facility’s future operation remain uncertain, with the manufacturing unit closed and the distribution center open. As the new year approaches, members of the Shut Down BioLab Coalition vow to persist in their demands, insisting that rhetoric alone isn't sufficient when residents continue to suffer from the consequences of the BioLab fire, their resolve recounted by FOX 5.
