On September 29, 2024, a massive fire erupted at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, sending plumes of thick, chemical-laden smoke into the air. The fire, which caused significant property damage, resulted in the release of harmful chemicals, triggering widespread health concerns, evacuations, and weeks of shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents. Six weeks later, BioLab partially reopened its facility. However, this partial reopening has sparked significant backlash from the local community, which is now calling for the revocation of BioLab’s business license.
The Impact of the Fire
The BioLab fire was not just a significant industrial incident; it was a wake-up call for the residents of Rockdale County, Georgia. The fire released dangerous chemicals like chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and other potentially toxic substances into the air, raising alarm about long-term health effects and environmental damage. For weeks, the community was subjected to smoke and fumes, with many residents experiencing respiratory issues, headaches, and other symptoms linked to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Local authorities issued shelter-in-place orders and evacuation advisories for those within a designated radius of the plant. Emergency responders worked around the clock to contain the blaze, but the effects of the fire were felt for weeks as the smoke drifted across Conyers and surrounding areas.
BioLab’s Partial Reopening and Community Response
On November 4, 2024, BioLab announced it had partially reopened its Conyers facility, stating that it was resuming operations to fulfill customer orders. The reopening followed a six-week closure caused by the fire. While the company has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its operations moving forward, this decision has not been well received by many in the community.
Residents, led by the grassroots Shut Down BioLab Coalition, are demanding that the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners revoke BioLab’s business license. They argue that the fire was a result of negligence, and they are concerned about the company’s ability to operate safely moving forward. The coalition has collected signatures and organized protests, calling for accountability and a permanent shutdown of the plant.
Legal Basis for Business License Revocation
Under Rockdale County’s code of ordinances (Chapter 22 Sec. 22-36), the Board of Commissioners has the authority to revoke or suspend the business license of a company if it finds that the company has violated any provisions of the code. This could include violations related to public safety, environmental damage, or other misconduct that endangers the health and well-being of the community.
The county code stipulates that, before taking action to revoke a license, the board must provide notice of the charges and allow the licensee the opportunity to be heard. If the board determines that BioLab has violated the code, it can take several actions, ranging from a suspension of operations to a full revocation of the business license.
Community Demands and Next Steps
The calls for revocation have grown louder in the weeks following the fire. Community members argue that BioLab’s operations put lives at risk and that the company should not be allowed to reopen without a thorough review of its safety practices and potential long-term risks to the community. The Shut Down BioLab Coalition has been vocal in its push for accountability, stating that BioLab’s business license should be permanently revoked to prevent further harm.
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is now faced with a difficult decision. In the coming weeks, the board will likely hold hearings to consider whether BioLab’s actions warrant the revocation of its business license. Whether or not the company’s business license will be revoked remains to be seen, but the call for greater oversight and responsibility is loud and clear. The outcome of this situation will have lasting implications not only for BioLab and its operations, but also for how communities hold industrial companies accountable for their role in safeguarding public health and safety.