Kenny Johnson, a 62-year-old environmental supervisor with Rockdale County’s Soil and Water Conservation District, tragically passed away on Tuesday after collapsing just moments following a public testimony on the devastating chemical fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia.
Johnson, a fierce advocate for environmental justice, had been attending a public hearing near the Georgia State Capitol, where the focus was assessing the long-term impact of the toxic plume caused by the fire.
The incident occurred during a critical session evaluating the fallout from the September 29 fire at BioLab, located roughly 30 miles east of Atlanta. BioLab, a manufacturer of pool and spa chemicals, experienced a chemical fire that sent hazardous fumes and smoke into the air. Early reports indicate that a sprinkler malfunction led to a dangerous chemical reaction, resulting in a toxic plume that raised alarms for nearby communities.
Johnson had been at the forefront of efforts to hold the company accountable for what he described as years of negligence. In his testimony, Johnson passionately called for a criminal investigation into BioLab’s safety practices, marking his second formal request for such an inquiry. He specifically asked for intervention by the Department of Justice, warning that without meaningful action, the company would continue to pose a grave risk to public health and safety.
“I’ve been fighting for six years, warning that this company would explode,” Johnson told the hearing. His frustrations were particularly aimed at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 4, which oversees the southeastern United States.
Johnson referred to it as “the worst region in the United States” when it came to enforcing compliance with federal environmental standards. He lamented that Rockdale County had been out of federal compliance for over four decades, and despite his efforts to raise alarms, nothing had been done to correct the situation.
During his testimony, Johnson detailed the numerous safety concerns he had raised regarding BioLab’s operations, including the company’s non-compliance with environmental regulations. He also urged residents living near the plant to seek blood tests to check for exposure to hazardous chemicals like sulfuric acid, which were released in the fire. His urgent pleas underscored the potential health risks faced by those living in the…
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