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

Sep 29, 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.

View the full press release at https://rockdale26.soliademo.com/rockdale-county-lifts…/

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://rockdale26.soliademo.com/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://rockdale26.soliademo.com/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://rockdale26.soliademo.com/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.

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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A New Vision for Rockdale: Strategic Plan ‘Reimagine Rockdale’ Launched

Aug 15, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Aug. 15, 2024

A New Vision for Rockdale: Strategic Plan ‘Reimagine Rockdale’ Launched

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has approved a new strategic plan, “Reimagine Rockdale,” aimed at addressing the county’s current challenges and proactively preparing for the future.

With Rockdale County’s population approaching 100,000, the “Reimagine Rockdale” strategic plan is designed to adapt to changing demographics, support population growth, and maintain the county’s legacy.

The goal of “Reimagine Rockdale” is to ensure continuous planning, improvement, and data-informed decision-making to create a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community that thrives amid change.

The strategic plan focuses on strengthening infrastructure and transportation, enhancing public health and safety, spurring economic development, promoting equity, improving access, and fostering a culture of preparedness and innovation.

“Reimagine Rockdale” sets forth six strategic goals under the theme of equity, access, and innovation. The plan outlines priority projects and initiatives through 2029, focusing on four key areas for a comprehensive approach:

Governance: Enhancing policies, procedures, and organizational controls.
Social: Strengthening community well-being and social services.
Economic: Driving economic growth and sustainability.
Environmental: Promoting sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and resilience.

These goals aim to create a community that is adaptable and plans toward the year 2040.

The strategic planning and development process prioritized community engagement through the initiative “Reimagine Rockdale Together,” which included a dedicated website (www.reimaginerockdaletogether.com), surveys, community education activities, and strategy-building sessions. Insights and perspectives were gathered from residents, community members, employees, department leaders, a steering committee, and local elected officials, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives.

“Reimagine Rockdale” establishes a commitment to making Rockdale County the best it can be, ensuring a vibrant future for all its residents. The strategic plan can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/ReimagineRockdaleStrategicPlan.

For more information, contact Lisa Chester at (770) 278-7018 or email lisa.chester@rockdale26.soliademo.com

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Rockdale County to Host Paper Shredding Day for 2024

Aug 15, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Aug. 14, 2024

Rockdale County to Host Paper Shredding Day for 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County is holding its ever-popular Paper Shredding event for Rockdale residents and business owners on Sat., Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the parking lot of 1400 Parker Road, Conyers, 30094. The free, half-day event will provide the public with a place to safely discard and recycle old documents.

There is a maximum of 4 banker boxes per vehicle allowed for paper shredding. Participants must provide a photo ID as proof of an address in the County. A Cut Above Shredding, a professional paper shredding company, will have paper shredding trucks on site and will securely handle all items under the close supervision of government staff.

This event operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be two shredding trucks on site for the event. However, once the shredding trucks are full, shredding services for the day will end.

Papers that are loose, folded or in envelopes are accepted. Please remember to remove all foreign objects from papers to be shredded, including spring loader/binder clips or glue and adhesives. Additional items that are not accepted include photographs, hanging metal file folders and three-ring binders.

The event is weather-dependent. Should the forecast predict rain, the equipment will be inoperable, and the event will have to be scheduled for a later date and time.

For more information, please contact Rockdale County Public Relations at public.relations@rockdale26.soliademo.com or 770-278-7050.

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Rockdale County Among First in Georgia with FEMA-Approved Hazard Mitigation Plan

Aug 12, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

August 12, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County is proud to announce that it is one of the first jurisdictions in Georgia to have its hazard mitigation plan approved under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) new guidelines. Developed collaboratively with the City of Conyers, the plan is a long-term strategy aimed at reducing the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

The FEMA-approved plan identifies potential hazards in Rockdale County and provides a framework to assist local officials in making informed decisions that could protect lives and property. A crucial aspect of the plan is its focus on implementing mitigation projects throughout the city and county to reduce the impact of future disasters and associated costs.

“Rockdale County EMA is thrilled about this accomplishment. New guidance came out halfway through our planning process, and our wonderful EMA Planner Gerald Woodridge Jr. was able to pivot and adjust our planning process as needed. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a very important part of how we build resiliency in Rockdale – it outlines our plans for improving infrastructure, engaging with our community, and adding important disaster elements such as storm shelters. Because of this plan, and FEMA’s new guidance, we are in a better position to prepare Rockdale and its citizens for disaster,” said Meredith Barnum, Deputy Director of the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency.

Historical evidence shows that hazard mitigation planning can significantly reduce a disaster’s physical, financial, and emotional toll on a community. The planning process encourages communities to integrate mitigation strategies into day-to-day decision-making regarding land-use planning, floodplain management, site design, and other activities.

FEMA reviews and approves state, tribal, and local hazard mitigation plans. These plans are required for states and communities to receive certain types of disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. State mitigation plans must be approved every five years, and local and tribal mitigation plans must be approved at least once every five years.

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