ATLANTA — More than 20 people impacted by the Conyers BioLab fire got the chance to speak directly to state policymakers from Rockdale County on Tuesday.
Residents, law enforcement, and business owners were concerned about their health, the environment, and their futures.
Many demanded for BioLab to be shut down, Gov. Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency, compensation, and Environmental Protection Agency investigations.
Melvin Little said he owns two businesses close to the lab, and they closed on Monday.
"The American dream is being ripped away from me," Little said.
Little said he's losing money, and his employees need to feed their families.
"After I leave here, in two hours, I have to pay people. I've got people—I'm borrowing from my bank," Little said.
Larry Cox said he owns a business close to the lab as well.
"All those businesses on those three roads have been permanently shut down due to this," Cox said. "We are all denied access to our buildings."
Cox said he's frustrated that he's being blocked by BioLab rather than government officials.
"We were able to get in onto our business yesterday for an hour or so," Cox said. "And a BioLab employee came into my office and told me I wasn't authorized to be there."
During public comment, residents said they're wondering what chemicals are in the air, in the water, and in the ground. Monica Daniels-Muhammad said she has acres of farmland in Rockdale County.
"Financially, we are not going to be able to utilize this soil for a long time," Muhammad said.
Speakers were also concerned about the clean-up, saying BioLab shouldn't be involved as they believe it could be a conflict of interest. They asked if the company is in compliance. They also called for more environmental policy.
Feelings of uncertainty were common throughout the hearing. Representative Sharon Henderson said she doesn't have all the answers from BioLab.
"They don't even know what chemicals are included in this explosion. No one is saying anything. They're not being accountable," Henderson said.
Henderson said she agreed the lab should be shut down.
DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said she was fearful about sending her team out to work during the events. She said she's been dealing with her health issues.
"I am on albuterol, Ambilify for my eyes," Maddox said.
Maddox choked back tears when she shared that a loved one was affected by the BioLab fire in 2004. She couldn't believe this happened again.
"I'm suffering," Maddox said. "I'm back with migraine headaches that I never encountered. I'm suffering in a townhouse with no air."
Residents also wanted more communication from officials. Rep. Bill Mitchell acknowledges this.
"We must do a better job or assure in our positions as policymakers assure that a better job is communicating to the residents," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said he's taking in all of the concerns and trying to come up with solutions.
"Help is on the way," Mitchell said. "And we're looking into any remedy that can come up with to address these issues."
Leaders assure there will be more public meetings, but they also want to hear from the companies themselves, and the attorney general, and then come up with a strategic plan sometime next week.