+1 (770) 278-7000

UPDATES ON BIO FIRE (9/29/24- 10/9/2024)

Public Awareness Update: October 9, 2024

As part of ongoing BioLab cleanup efforts, operations will continue in a controlled and planned manner. This process will generate visible plumes, which are expected and closely monitored. Please note this is not a fire but part of a scheduled chemical product cleanup. While the additional plume in the area may be noticeable, there is no cause for alarm. We encourage the public to stay informed by following updates, but please only contact 911 in the event of an actual emergency.

UPDATE( 10/8/2024) Biolab Resource Information: 678-301-2359

www.biolabcommunityresources.com     Debris pickup? Requests can be submitted to DebrisPickup@biolabinc.com.

Update: (10/7/2024): Rockdale County Lifts Shelter in Place Except for the 2-Mile Radius Around Biolab.

UPDATE: (10/5/2024) Biolab has launched a community website to provide community information and resources, including information on debris pickup. https://biolabcommunityresources.com/

Update (10/4/2024): Update from Deputy Chief Robinson of Rockdale Fire https://vimeo.com/rockdalegov/biolabupdate?share=copy

Update (10/3/2024): Frequently Asked Questions https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/faq-biolab/

(10/2/2024) Please see the recent press release from Georgia Emergency Management:  https://gema.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-10-02/state-and-federal-agencies-continue-monitoring-rockdale-county-biolab

ALERT (10/1/2024 4:28 pm): During certain times, due to weather and inversion in the evening, air quality readings may dip to concerning levels for those in direct exposure to the plume. With citizen safety in mind, Rockdale EMA (Emergency Management Agency) is recommending Rockdale County Shelter in Place from 7 pm to 7 am beginning tonight until Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. In the event conditions change, the recommendation will be revised.
For air quality data, please utilize the EPA website: www.epa.gov/ga/conyers-ga-biolab-fire.
Shelter in Place procedure: close doors and windows and turn off HVAC systems if they draw air from outside.

NEW PRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE: https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/rockdale-county-provides-critical-update-on-ongoing-biolab-incident/

UPDATE: ALL COUNTY Offices are closed today, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. 

ALERT 10/1/2024 (6:35 a.m.): We are aware and are assessing the situation. The plume has consistently shifted throughout the night. We ask that you shelter in place if the plume moves over your vicinity or if there is a strong odor of chlorine. If you have respiratory issues, we encourage you to shelter in place. We will provide an update as quickly as possible.

ALERT 10/1/2024 (3:49 a.m.): The Biolab operations have continued through the night. Due to the weather, the plume is banking down and moving throughout the county. If the cloud moves over your vicinity, please shelter in place until the cloud moves out.

We understand the importance of providing timely information, and we want to assure you that we are committed to releasing only the most accurate and verified details. To ensure this, we have been waiting on critical updates from the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We appreciate your patience and will share further information later this afternoon. Please stay tuned for updates.

UPDATE from Rockdale County Fire Chief at Biolab view video: https://youtu.be/yPMFqOCTmLE

Roads that are still closed as of 8:25 am, 9/30/2024
Lester/Sigman
Farmer/Sigman
Irwin/ Main St
General Arts / Signman
Dogwood / W. Ave
Green / W. Circle
Old Covington / Sigman
Sigman / Rockbridge
Dogwood Circle / Motel 6

(9/30/2024 6:58 AM): The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reopened I-20 in both directions.

9/30/2024  3:22 AM : Shelter in place continues. Press release issued. View it at https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/rockdale-county-remains-closed-with-shelter-in-place-continuing/

(7:45 PM):

ALERT: 7:45 PM: SHELTER IN PLACE FOR ALL ROCKDALE COUNTY until MIDNIGHT.
(6:00 PM) : Evacuation zone includes Signman to Lakeview off Farmer Rd., Irwin Bridge to GA 20, and GA 20 back to Sigman Rd.
I-20 is still shut down from Turner Hill to Salem Rd. exits. Those on the north side of Rockdale County and not in the evacuation area should shelter in place.

(5:00 PM) :All southbound traffic on Hi-Roc Rd between Irwin bridge and Hwy 138 is shutdown.

All traffic from Hwy 138 to I20 from Turnerhill Rd to Salem Rd is shutdown.
Please follow deputies’ directions for alternate routes.
(3:45 PM): Additional Evacuation Site: General Ray Davis Middle School, 3375 E Fairview Rd SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281
(3:10 PM) NEW EVACUATION SITE: SCOUT CAMP: 218 Scout Road. Covington, GA 30016
EVACUATION ALERT ( 1:10 PM): Please evacuate the area if you are inside this zone. I-20 will be blocked off in both directions between Salem Rd and Turner Hill. Call EMA hotline if you need assistance 770-278-8300.

EVACUATION ALERT ( 1:10 PM): Please evacuate the area if you are inside this zone. I-20 will be blocked off in both directions between Salem Rd and Turner Hill. Call EMA hotline if you need assistance 770-278-8300.

  • PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
    Questions can be directed to the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency hotline at 770-278-8300
  • Anyone between Sigman and I 20 need to evacuate.
  • Anyone North of Sigman should shelter in place and keep windows closed.

As of 11 am the following roads are closed:

  • 2986 – Old Covington @ 2nd Ave
  • 2970 – Sigman @ Rockbridge
  • 3002 – Sigman @ General Arts
  • 3024 – Blacklawn @ Veterans
  • 2939 – Plunkett @ Lester
  • 3040 – Rockdale Ind. @ Lester
  • 2920 – Lester East of Farmer
  • 2998 – General Arts @ Farmer
  • 3012 – Old Cov. @ Rockdale Ind
  • CPD – Sigman @ Rockbridge
EMERGENCY ALERT (9/29/24 10:45 am)
To All Churches from Rockbridge to the Northside County Line
Effective Immediately:
Please CANCEL all church services for the day.
If a church service is already in session, please disperse immediately and DO NOT TRAVEL THROUGH THE AFFECTED AREA OF TOWN.
For your safety, leave the area by taking alternate routes.

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