ATLANTA — Sunday marks one week since a fire at the Conyers BioLab facility left a chemical plume in the sky and hazy smoke across metro Atlanta for days.
There has been a rise in questions ever since.
On Sunday, about a dozen demonstrators rallied at the state Capitol, calling to shut the company down.
The protest was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, but support continues to grow, including organizations like Voices for Rockdale and Community Action Now.
So, just like last week's billowing clouds moving out of Conyers, a new movement emerges.
Iffat Walker said she's lived in Conyers for around 17 years.
"We are not to stop talking about it. We are not going to stop hitting the pavement," Walker said.
Walker said she had no idea what was happening back home, as she was out of town when the city was being told to shelter-in-place or evacuate. She's been in South Fulton ever since because she's not comfortable coming back yet.
Organizer Bezal Jupiter said protesters are hoping to get the attention of city, county, and state leaders. He wants those responsible at BioLab behind bars because he believes these labs are not well-regulated and are poisoning communities -- affecting neighbors' health.
"They are responsible for this disaster. They are criminals. They knew this was going to happen at some point. And they did nothing." Jupiter said.
Jupiter laid out their demands: completely shut BioLab down, fully compensate the residents and workers affected with medical expenses, lost wages, and relocation assistance, a comprehensive evacuation plan, declare a state of emergency in the metro Atlanta area, remove any toxic chemicals in the air, water, and soil, and prosecute whoever is responsible -- even if that means jail time. He feels corporate greed is behind this.
"Far too many balls have been dropped as far as the safety of our community, but also directly the safety of those people that work for BioLab," Walker said.
Walker said her throat and skin have been irritated ever since and so has she. She said her pets are also not eating. She felt environmental racism has played a role in the company's choices and how the aftermath has been handled. She believes the company hasn't been in compliance and someone turned a blind eye.
"Not only the neglect but also the placement of the company and where it is located -- not only in Rockdale County but all of the locations," Walker said. "So, you're not going to find a company like this sitting in the middle of Buckhead."
Walker said she signed a petition another Conyers resident started to close BioLab for health and environmental safety. It has more than 8,000 signatures.
"Cut the check, provide for us, and make sure that disasters like this never happen again," Jupiter said. "That's the bare minimum."
Walker said she won't budge until she gets an acceptable answer and progress and someone is held accountable.
"Unless BioLab is shut down...we're going to have protests And we're going to have many more," Walker said. "Gas masks and all."
11Alive reached out to BioLab for a response but has yet to receive one.
Walker said a public hearing with the House and Senate Delegations for Rockdale County, along with the Minority House Caucus and the DeKalb Delegation members, is set for Tuesday, Oct. 8. Leaders want to hear from citizens, business owners, employees, and others impacted. It's expected to take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Room 606 at 18 Capital Square SW in Atlanta.
Walker said another peaceful protest is set for this upcoming Sunday at 3 p.m. at 901 Main Street.