US: Authorities likely to continue special hazmat instructions for Rockdale County, Georgia, through at least Oct. 4 /update 3

Authorities in Rockdale County, Georgia, will likely continue their ongoing environmental monitoring and special instructions until at least Oct. 4 following a hazardous materials (Hazmat) situation that occurred Sept. 29. The incident took place when a fire broke out at a chemical plant located at 1700 Old Covington Highway in Conyers; the blaze emitted a large plume of hazardous smoke into the surrounding area. Although authorities lifted their initial shelter-in-place and evacuation orders on Sept. 30, the toxic cloud remains visible over the general vicinity. While officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assert that concentrations of toxins from the incident are within safe levels, officials are advising local residents to shelter in place between 19:00-07:00 until at least Oct. 4 due to the potential for poorer air quality during the nighttime hours.

No casualties have been reported in connection with the incident. The plume from the initial fire will almost certainly negatively impact Rockdale County's air quality. Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the affected area until the hazardous smoke dissipates. Disruptions to transport and business will probably affect parts of Rockdale County over the coming days. Authorities may implement additional security measures on short notice to facilitate any emergency response and ensure public safety.