Two years after a 2024 fire at BioLab in Rockdale County, an EPA proposal could take away one direct way residents can request detailed information about chemical-facility risks.
The proposal would eliminate residents’ option to directly request detailed risk-management information, pull back safer-technology planning requirements and could unwind independent third-party audit requirements. It would also prevent some safety requirements approved under the Biden administration from taking effect next year. The changes are proposed, not adopted.
Safety findings and health concerns
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found BioLab had nearly twice the reactive material it reported to Rockdale County for permitting. The board also found the stored chemicals were not covered by federal risk-management-plan requirements and recommended expanding federal rules to require planning at facilities such as BioLab.
Research released this year by Georgia Tech professor Greg Huey and his team estimated BioLab stored chlorine equivalent to roughly 45 tanker loads. Huey said the health effects are difficult to know.
Chris Lovejoy owns a worksite across the road from BioLab. He said chemical-laced smoke forced his team to leave, and the fire left visible discoloration on the building’s siding. Lovejoy said some employees sought treatment and had surgeries for health problems they believe are related to the smoke. The report does not establish that the smoke caused those problems.
Attorney Alan Holcomb represents two Rockdale County sheriff’s deputies who responded to the fire without knowing what was in the smoke. Holcomb said they lacked respiratory protection and have lost 40% to 50% of their lung function since the fire.
Potential danger zones around metro Atlanta
Plans reviewed for metro Atlanta’s 20 largest chemical-storage sites show at least 880,000 people live or work within potential danger zones for severe chemical accidents. Detailed accident-management plans for facilities near the public are restricted, but the EPA offers a separate tool to check whether a home is within a potential danger-zone boundary.
The EPA and BioLab’s parent company did not respond to requests for comment.
Marcus Jones
News Now Georgia
