Across Georgia

Plant agrees to pay fine for toxic release

ATLANTA --- The Justice Department says a chemical plant has agreed to pay $270,000 in civil penalties.

The payment will resolve claims resulting from a toxic release of hazardous chemicals at the company's Dalton facility in April 2004.

Authorities said a reactor at MFG Chemical Inc. malfunctioned, causing a cloud of hydrochloric acid -- a highly corrosive substance commonly used for cleaning -- to be released over the area.

The company produces coatings and other substances for the textile industry.

About 150 people were decontaminated and treated for minor symptoms in the incident and hundreds of residents and workers from at least five other factories nearby were evacuated.

Federal authorities allege in a complaint filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia that MFG failed to adhere to guidelines under the Clean Air Act.

98 dogs discovered in suspected fighting ring

ATLANTA --- Laurens County authorities have busted a suspected dog fighting operation in East Dublin and are working to rescue 98 dogs found at the property.

Most of the dogs found are pit bulls. Private investigator Greg Norred said most were emaciated and in poor condition.

He said the dogs have been living throughout several acres on the rural property and did not have any housing or food visible.

All were chained and one had lost an eye and another was missing a leg.

Investigator Norred's company contacted the Laurens County Sheriff's Department after receiving a tip about a possible dogfighting ring at the site. No arrests or charges have been made.