Kenny Johnson, a 62-year-old environmental supervisor for the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District, died Tuesday after his physique collapsed close to the Georgia State Capitol.
Johnson was collaborating in a public listening to relating to a latest chemical fireplace on the BioLab facility in Conyers, Georgia.
The assembly targeted on assessing the long-term results of the poisonous plume that adopted the Sept. 29 fireplace.
A hearth broke out final month on the BioLab facility, positioned about 30 miles east of Atlanta.
Preliminary experiences from authorities point out that malfunctioning sprinklers brought about harmful chemical reactions that spewed thick smoke and dangerous fumes into the air.
Learn extra:
WATCH: Fireplace at BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Ga., fills air with harmful black and orange smoke — shelter-in-place orders and evacuations in progress
Throughout his testimony, Johnson detailed his repeated makes an attempt to boost consciousness of the safety dangers posed by the ability and urged speedy intervention, together with a Justice Division investigation.
In keeping with the Every day Mail, this marks the second time Johnson has formally requested a felony investigation into BioLab’s practices.
Johnson’s testimony was passionate and demanding, significantly of EPA Area 4, which he known as “the worst area in America.”
Johnson expressed his frustration with Rockdale County’s longstanding non-compliance with federal requirements, saying: “Rockdale County has not been in compliance with federal requirements for forty years. I have been combating this for six years, warning this firm The corporate will explode.
In his enchantment, Johnson known as for organic laboratories to be relocated and urged residents to get blood assessments to examine for publicity to harmful chemical compounds reminiscent of sulfuric acid.
After testifying, Johnson appeared visibly drained and took deep, labored breaths. After making these remarks, he collapsed exterior the listening to room.
State Rep. Viola Davis, a vocational nurse, administered CPR till paramedics arrived. Johnson was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, the place he was later pronounced lifeless.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Workplace confirmed his demise and as a result of sudden nature of his demise, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an post-mortem.
The health worker’s workplace mentioned in an electronic mail to Fox 5 Information that the investigation into Johnson’s demise is as a result of proximity of the chemical fireplace listening to.
“As a consultant of the Soil and Water Conservation District, Johnson offered highly effective testimony at a public listening to on the chemical fireplace. He complained of shortness of breath and later collapsed within the hallway exterior room 606.”
“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic lack of life that occurred right this moment,” Georgia Home Democratic Caucus Chief James Beverly mentioned in a press release after group advocate Kenny Johnson testified at a listening to on the Rockdale County biolab explosion. After experiencing a medical emergency, the listening to was held by an MP.
“On behalf of the Georgia Home Democratic Caucus, we provide our heartfelt condolences to the household. Our sympathies are heavy along with your loss, and our condolences are along with your family members. Please know that our ideas are with you throughout this troublesome time, Prayers and actions are with you, Could cherishes the reminiscence of Kenny and the consolation he dropped at you thru the work he did.
“Kenny has served as a Soil and Water Conservation District consultant and environmental justice advocate for a few years,” mentioned State Rep. Viola Davis. “His deep dedication to environmental justice and his concern for the affect of organic laboratory chemical fires on communities The legacy stays etched in our reminiscences.
