Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as part of an expanded effort to address contamination from “forever chemicals” in the region.

The visit comes after more than 20 months of testing by the PFAS Georgia team, which officials say has revealed some of the highest levels of PFAS contamination in the nation. As a result, testing efforts are now being expanded to include Rome and six surrounding counties: Floyd, Bartow, Polk, Paulding, Chattooga, and Haralson.

A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 10 a.m. at the Forum River Center in Rome, where Brockovich will be joined by PFAS Georgia attorney Ben Finley and water expert Bob Bowcock. The group is expected to announce new testing initiatives, share updated results, and provide information on ongoing litigation and proposed legislation related to PFAS contamination.

Later that day, Brockovich will meet with community members during a public meet-and-greet from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Need to Feed in Rocky Face.

Two town hall meetings are also planned to give residents an opportunity to learn more about testing, legal options, and how to protect their property and water supply.

The first town hall will take place in Dalton on Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m. at the Dalton Convention Center. State Senator and Georgia Attorney General candidate Brian Strickland is expected to speak, along with PFAS Georgia representatives.

A second town hall will be held in Rome on Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Forum River Center. Congressional candidates Shawn Harris and Clay Fuller are expected to attend alongside Brockovich and the PFAS Georgia team.

Organizers say the meetings are open to both the public and the media and are intended to provide critical information to residents impacted by PFAS contamination across Northwest Georgia.