One week since fire broke out at Rockdale County chemical plant, changing thousands of lives

CONYERS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — It’s been one week since a fire broke out at the BioLab facility in Conyers.

Right now, nightly shelter-in-place warnings remain in effect throughout Rockdale County. The warning went into effect at 7 p.m. Sunday and ends at 7 a.m. Monday.

The extended order comes as chemical plumes continue to linger over the BioLab facility since last Sunday’s fire.

Rockdale County officials decided to extend the shelter-in-place over the weekend, based on findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, no official would go into detail on why.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rockdale Co. shelter in place order extended; county officials have no timeline of when plumes will be contained

Rockdale County Public Schools will return Monday with virtual learning for students. Officials also said the county’s courts and government facilities will reopen Monday.

Jacki Moore lives in Conyers, only about two miles away from the BioLab facility.

She watched the BioLab plant catch fire just seven days ago, as black and burned debris began falling all over her property.

“I saw the plumes in my yard,” Moore said. “Had to call in help to get my horses evacuated because as soon as I came out on my deck, I could smell the chlorine.”

This weekend, workers with GHD — hired by KIK Custom Products, BioLab’s parent company — cleaned up the black debris in her backyard.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Chemical fire in Rockdale County: Shelter in place order extended | Latest updates

“Because they’re being very secretive not telling us what it is, I’m suspicious that it’s something toxic,” Moore said.

This weekend, workers with GHD — hired by KIK Custom Products, BioLab’s parent company —... — This weekend, workers with GHD — hired by KIK Custom Products, BioLab’s parent company — cleaned up debris from the chemical plant fire in Conyers.(Blake DeVine / Atlanta News First)

Ashley Clotfelter also lives in Conyers. She feels left in the dark because of a lack of communication from local leaders.

“We don’t have the guidance, so we’re having to find it ourselves,” Clotfelter said.

Chris Hall was picking up debris from the fire on Sunday.

“The not getting a lot of answers is the most frustrating part,” he said. “I’m trying to be optimistic otherwise. That’s the best thing we can do, anyhow.”

Outside the Georgia State Capitol on Sunday afternoon, a group of activists hoped to put pressure on politicians to shut down the BioLab Plant.

Bezal Jupiter is an organizer for the group, called the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

“Other incidents have happened three times over the past 20 years,” he said. “Th happening once is too many times. BioLab needs to be shut down.”

The EPA is leading the investigation into what happened at BioLab. We’re told they are monitoring air quality levels in the area, and at this time they say chlorine levels are safe.

BioLab has created a resource website that includes information on debris pickup.

MORE COVERAGE: State lawmakers call for permanent closure of Conyers BioLab after chemical fire