Gwinnett County

Rockdale chemical plant fire: How school districts, colleges are changing outdoor plans

By WSBTV.com News Staff

(Hyosub Shin / hshin@ajc.com)

By WSBTV.com News Staff

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Due to the BioLab chemical plant fire in Rockdale County, multiple school districts and colleges in metro Atlanta are changing their outdoor plans.

The fire happened Sunday morning at the BioLab facility in Rockdale County. More than 24 hours later, people in multiple metro Atlanta counties have reported a strong chlorine smell and haze.

Here’s a county-by-county so far of school districts that are taking precautions so far.

CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR

“Safety is the top priority at City Schools of Decatur. Currently, there are no air quality advisories from emergency management officials. However, out of an abundance of caution, schools will move all outdoor activities indoors today. Additionally, all outdoor afterschool activities and outdoor games are canceled.”

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS

“The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is regularly communicating with DeKalb EMA (DEMA) regarding the situation in Rockdale County. While DEMA is monitoring the BioLab Fire and shelter/evacuation needs, no safety orders have been issued for DeKalb County.

Today, school administrators can choose to keep students indoors as a precaution. DCSD will stay in close contact with DEMA and will provide any updated guidance if the situation changes.”

DeKalb Schools have also canceled outdoors events, according to a message sent to parents.

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS

“We are monitoring the situation in Conyers and are working with environmental agencies with the most up-to-date guidance. Based on differences in our communities, principals have the discretion to restrict or move outdoor activities indoors.”

GAINESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

“Due to the shifting winds, the chemical fire in Rockdale County yesterday is beginning to impact our area.  In an effort to remain safe, there will be no outdoor activities during the school day.  We will provide an update as soon as we receive more information.”

GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

“All GPTC campus facilities in Clarkston and Lithonia are closed effective immediately - until further notice. This is in response to the BioLab leak and fire in Conyers. Newton and Rockdale campuses are still closed as well. Faculty and staff are to work remote for the rest of the day. We will continue to monitor the air quality. We will be in touch as soon as we have more information.”

GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE

“Attention, GGC Community: The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority. We are monitoring air quality in our area, and we encourage limiting outdoor activities. GGC has stopped allowing outside air from coming into our buildings. The National Weather Service says the smoke should start lifting by about noon. Afternoon indoor classes and campus operations will continue as scheduled.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Gwinnett County Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials teams officials are continuing to monitor the smoke and have not detected any toxic levels of the chemicals within the smoke.

In an abundance of caution, officials advise people not to be outside any longer than necessary, especially those who have conditions that cause breathing difficulties.”

GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS

Gwinnett County Schools has canceled all outdoor activities and events Monday due to haze from the Rockdale County chemical plant fire.

“Because the safety of our students and staff remains our number one priority, please note our response in Gwinnett County Public Schools. For today, September 30, we have canceled all outdoor activities and events, and we have stopped outside air from coming into our buildings. We will continue to monitor the air quality, and we are in touch with Gwinnett County and the Department of Public Health regarding our best next steps to ensure safety. We do know that Rockdale County has reported it may take some time for the fire cloud to dissipate. Until the air quality improves, we encourage all families and staff to limit time outside, and keep windows and doors shut. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.”

HALL COUNTY SCHOOLS

“Due to a chemical fire in Conyers that has impacted air quality in our area, there will be no outdoor activities during school today. We are in contact with the Governor’s office and local emergency management officials with regard to next steps. We will provide updates as soon as we receive more information.

NEWTON COUNTY SCHOOLS

“Over the past several hours, we have been in close contact with Newton County Emergency Management and other supportive agencies to assess the potential impact on our community. Due to the large evacuation area in Rockdale County and the closure of Interstate 20, we’ve been made aware that many of our staff members have been directly affected. Additionally, while we do not yet know how, or to what extent this incident will impact Newton County, out of an abundance of caution for the safety, health, and wellbeing of all students and staff, we have determined that the best course of action is to close all schools tomorrow, Monday, September 30. Please know that the determination for making up recently missed days of school has not been finalized, but a decision will be made in the near future and that information will be communicated as soon as possible. In the interim, be assured that we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.”

ROCKDALE COUNTY SCHOOLS

The district is on fall break. Twelve-month employees are working remotely and all buildings are closed.

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