State Representative Pam Dickerson (D-Conyers) issued the following statement regarding the recent request for the temporary closure of the BD Bard plant in Newton County:

“I am alarmed by the air testing results in Covington. I fully support the City of Covington in calling for the temporary shutdown of the B.D. Bard facility until we can confirm that the air is safe from cancer-causing chemicals. Along with the City of Covington, I am asking the State of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division to join us in taking immediate action on this vital public safety issue. Protecting the health and safety of our Georgia families is one of our highest duties.”