BioLab Conyers, the site of a major multi-week chemical fire in September, has reopened its distribution centre according to recent update by the company. This move has sparked anger among the residents of Rockdale County, Georgia.

In a statement issued to media houses, the company said, “BioLab’s Distribution Center at Conyers was cleared by relevant authorities and regulators to reopen on November 4 and resume fulfilling customer orders for finished products, which are used to clean pools and spas. We are grateful that our Conyers team members have returned to work at the Distribution Center and appreciate their continued support and dedication. At this time, the Conyers plant has not resumed manufacturing operations, and any resumption of operations will only be undertaken with approval from authorities and regulators.”

Reopening of this facility has resulted in unrest amongst the community of Rockdale County. Earlier, the county went as far as taking legal action against the company to force them to permanently shut down the Conyers Biolab facility.

Rockdale County initiated legal proceedings against BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, in the last week of October 2024. They have alleged that the company has a history of negligence and pose a significant threat to public health and safety. The county cited at least four instances of negligence by BioLab over the past two decades.

Sen. Warnock and Rep. Johnson are leading an inquiry into BioLab's past safety record, response to the incident, and plans to address potential harms.

This lawsuit came after a massive fire broke out in the facility, prompting widespread evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Approximately 17,000 residents were ordered to evacuate the area, and several roads, including portions of Interstate 20, were closed. Local hospitals relocated patients as a precautionary measure.

The fire was caused due to a malfunctioning sprinkler system that interacted with a water-reactive chemical leading to a chemical plume. Even with the fire being extinguished, the lingering smoke plume remained visible for days.

After the fire, air quality assessments revealed the presence of chlorine in the air for several weeks. The CDC had also warned that the chlorine can cause severe respiratory issues, including coughing, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

BioLab claims to be cooperating with authorities and conducting a thorough review. The company highlights its efforts to support the community, including:

•             A 24/7 call center handling claims and requests.

•             A Community Assistance Center offering support to residents.

•             A dedicated website with updates and information.

•             Completion of debris removal on private and public properties.