Massive Chemical Fire Highlights the Dangers of Environmental Enforcement Failures in Georgia

On September 29, 2024, a massive chemical fire at BioLab in Conyers, GA led to the evacuation of 17,000 people, the closure of a section of I-20 and a shelter-in-place order for 90,000 residents.  For over a year, we have been highlighting Georgia’s environmental enforcement failures. On June 20, 2024, we created a petition urging Governor Brian Kemp to protect Georgians from harmful, toxic chemicals. Despite Governor Kemp’s refusal to act, we remain steadfast in our efforts.  Prior to the BioLab chemical fire, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) had already received over 93,800 complaints, including more than 15,000 related to air quality.

Environmental enforcement failures impact all Georgians, but the most vulnerable include the elderly (especially those with heart and lung conditions), pregnant women, infants and children, and individuals with heart disease, cancer, or lung diseases such as COPD, asthma and emphysema.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the chemical fire, you have the right to be informed about toxic chemical exposure and to file a complaint with Georgia EPD.  Please seek medical attention and diligently track your symptoms. Never underestimate the effects of toxic chemical exposure. Given the blatant disregard for human health, safety and life demonstrated by Georgia EPD and the U.S. EPA, it is crucial to self-advocate.

Georgia has a responsibility to promptly and accurately inform all residents of toxic chemical exposure, regardless of the event. Whether the toxic smoke comes from a large-scale chemical incident or illegal, reckless backyard burning, hazardous chemicals and toxic air pollution harm our health, our pets and our environment. We must fight for clean air and equal environmental protections for everyone.  Access to clean air should be a fundamental right for all Americans.

Thank you for your support.  Please keep sharing the petition and updates with friends and family and across all social media platforms.  Every signature counts!  Every voice matters! #BreathingShouldNotBeHazardous. Stop #EnvironmentalINJUSTICE.