Several members of the Georgia congressional delegation are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to more forcefully regulate the reactive chemicals at the heart of the Conyers BioLab crisis.
In a letter sent Wednesday to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, lawmakers say the agency must close a “regulatory gap” that has allowed the chemical linked to the Sept. 29 blaze that sent up a toxic plume over Conyers to avoid scrutiny that other toxic or flammable chemicals are subjected to under federal rules.
The chemical, known as trichloroisocyanuric acid or TCCA, was stored in a warehouse on the company’s property in Conyers. TCCA can have a volatile reaction when it comes into contact with water.
The effort to get the EPA’s attention is led by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, whose district includes Conyers. The other signatories, all Democrats, include U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock as well as U.S. Reps. Nikema Williams, David Scott and Lucy McBath.
“We are concerned that facilities like BioLab Conyers, which manufacture and/or store TCCA are improperly managing these substances,” the lawmakers wrote. “When not handled correctly, these chemicals can contaminate local air, water, and soil, posing severe public health risks which include respiratory issues, skin irritations, and long-term conditions like lung and heart disease.”