Kenny Johnson, a 62-year-old environmental supervisor with Rockdale County’s Soil and Water Conservation District, tragically passed away on Tuesday, moments after delivering an impassioned testimony about the dangers of chemical fires at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia. His sudden collapse came right after he concluded his remarks at a public hearing held near the Georgia State Capitol, where he had been urging for accountability and action against BioLab’s unsafe practices.
Johnson was no stranger to fighting for environmental justice. Known as a fierce advocate, he had spent years working to protect his community from the hazards of corporate negligence and lax environmental enforcement. His death is a profound loss, not only to his family and friends but also to the many who shared his passion for safeguarding public health and the environment.
The hearing where Johnson made his final stand was convened to assess the long-term effects of a chemical fire that had erupted on September 29 at the BioLab plant, located about 30 miles east of Atlanta. The fire sent toxic fumes and smoke into the surrounding air, raising alarms in nearby communities and sparking concerns about the potential long-term health risks associated with the hazardous plume.
BioLab, a manufacturer of pool and spa chemicals, has a history of safety violations, and Johnson had long been on the front lines of efforts to hold the company accountable. Early reports indicate that a sprinkler malfunction during the fire led to a dangerous chemical reaction, producing the toxic plume that has since caused widespread concern. This latest incident is part of what Johnson had described as a pattern of negligence and failure to comply with basic safety regulations.
In his testimony, Johnson did not mince words. He called for a full-scale criminal investigation into BioLab’s safety practices, marking the second time he had formally requested such an inquiry. His plea was directed toward the Department of Justice, which he believed needed to step in and conduct a thorough investigation. “Without meaningful action, this company will continue to pose a grave risk to public health and safety,” Johnson warned.
Johnson’s testimony was driven by a sense of urgency that had been building for years. “I’ve been fighting for six years, warning that this company would explode,” he said. His frustrations were palpable, especially when he turned his attention to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4, which oversees the southeastern United States. Johnson didn’t hold back in his criticism, referring to Region 4 as “the worst region in the United States” in terms of enforcing federal environmental standards. He argued that Rockdale County had been out of compliance with these standards for over four decades, and despite his repeated efforts to raise alarms, the necessary corrective actions had never been taken.
During his testimony, Johnson recounted the numerous safety concerns he had flagged over the years regarding BioLab’s operations. He detailed how the company repeatedly failed to comply with environmental regulations, allowing hazardous conditions to persist unchecked. This was not a new issue for Johnson; it was the culmination of years of advocacy, research, and, ultimately, frustration at the lack of meaningful action by both local authorities and federal agencies.
For Johnson, this was more than just a job—it was a personal mission. He had dedicated his career to environmental protection, and his work with Rockdale County’s Soil and Water Conservation District put him at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the region’s natural resources. But for him, the fight against BioLab represented something even bigger: the need for systemic change in the way environmental regulations are enforced in the southeastern United States.
In his final remarks, Johnson emphasized that the dangers posed by BioLab were not hypothetical. He had been sounding the alarm for years, warning that a catastrophe like the September 29 fire was not a matter of if but when. His tragic death, so soon after delivering this warning, underscores the gravity of the situation.
As news of Johnson’s passing spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and community members who had worked alongside him in his environmental justice efforts. Many praised his tireless dedication to holding corporations accountable for their environmental impact and ensuring that communities were protected from the dangers of industrial pollution. His loss is felt deeply, but his legacy of advocacy and his push for reform will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
For many in the environmental justice community, Johnson’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the personal toll that fighting for change can take. But it is also a call to action—a reminder that the work he championed is far from finished. His final testimony, delivered with the same passion and determination that had defined his career, will undoubtedly resonate with those who share his vision of a safer, healthier future.
Johnson’s passing is a tragic loss, but his message remains clear: it’s time for meaningful action, accountability, and justice. And for the communities affected by BioLab’s negligence, that fight continues, now more urgent than ever.