Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is scheduled to return to Northwest Georgia later this month as part of a broader initiative to investigate PFAS contamination across the region. The visit, organized by PFAS Georgia, will include a press conference in Rome on March 30 and a public town hall the following evening. A separate town hall is also planned the same week in Dalton.
Group leaders say the renewed push comes after nearly two years of research and testing in Northwest Georgia. Recent findings, they say, revealed some of the highest concentrations of PFAS — often referred to as “forever chemicals” — detected anywhere in the United States.
The expanded effort will focus on testing water, soil, and household dust in multiple counties, including Floyd, Bartow, Polk, Paulding, Chattooga, and Haralson. Organizers say the region has already undergone more PFAS testing than any other area nationwide.
Brockovich is expected to appear alongside attorney Ben Finley and water specialist Bob Bowcock during the Rome press conference. Officials say they plan to release new environmental test results and provide updates on ongoing legal efforts and proposed legislation tied to PFAS contamination.
The press conference is set for 10 a.m. March 30 at the Forum River Center, located along the Oostanaula River. Organizers say prior testing in that area showed PFAS levels exceeding recommended safety limits.
Two public meetings are also planned to engage the community. The first will take place at the Dalton Convention Center on March 30 at 6 p.m., followed by a second town hall at the Forum River Center in Rome on March 31 at the same time.
According to organizers, the sessions will give residents and business owners information on how to test their properties, explore potential legal options, and better understand how to reduce exposure risks. Legislative developments related to PFAS liability are also expected to be discussed.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products. Because they do not easily break down, they can persist in the environment for decades, raising growing concerns nationwide about their potential impact on water supplies and public health.
