COWETA COUNTY — Emergency crews determined Monday that a written bomb threat at the Georgia Power Plant Yates construction site was a hoax after evacuating roughly 800 employees and contractors and sweeping the property for explosives, county officials said.
Immediate response and evacuation
Officials were dispatched to the plant at 708 Dyer Road after site security reported a threatening message discovered on the wall of a portable toilet at about 1:41 p.m., according to law enforcement. As a precaution, personnel on site were moved to safety while local, state and federal partners conducted a thorough search of the grounds.
The Coweta County Sheriff's Office said its K-9 units, Coweta County Fire Rescue and the county 911/Emergency Management Agency joined the response. After clearing the site and finding no explosive devices, authorities reopened Dyer Road to the public later in the afternoon.
What officials have confirmed
Authorities confirmed the following details about Monday's incident:
- Site security discovered the written threat in a portable toilet on Plant Yates property.
- Approximately 800 workers and staff were evacuated as a precaution.
- Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies inspected the facility and surrounding grounds.
- No explosive devices were located during the sweep.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Plant Yates, 708 Dyer Road, Coweta County |
| Time dispatched | Approximately 1:41 p.m. |
| Evacuated | ~800 staff and workers |
| Outcome | No explosive devices found; area cleared |
Statement from Georgia Power
"We place the safety of our communities and the teams working to build, maintain or operate our facilities first every day."
The utility said it took the written allegation seriously, immediately evacuated the site and coordinated with local authorities to sweep the property. In its statement, Georgia Power expressed appreciation for the rapid response from first responders and said the plant had received the "all clear" by late afternoon.
Investigators still seeking information
Law enforcement has not identified who wrote the note found on the toilet wall, nor have officials disclosed whether any arrests have been made or whether criminal charges are pending. Coweta County authorities have not released additional forensic or investigative details.
Investigators typically examine surveillance footage, interview potential witnesses and process physical evidence from the scene in incidents of this nature. Officials did not immediately say what investigative steps remained under way.
Local impacts and context
Plant Yates is a major electricity-generating facility serving parts of the region. While construction and maintenance activities can result in large crews on site, sudden evacuations can disrupt schedules and supply chains tied to the project. The rapid multiagency response highlights both the sensitivity of critical infrastructure sites and the protocols in place to protect workers and the surrounding community.
What residents should know
Authorities reopened Dyer Road after determining the site was safe. Residents who live or work near the plant should be aware that investigators may continue follow-up activities and that law enforcement could seek the public's assistance if additional information about the incident becomes available.
Anyone with information about the written threat is urged to contact the Coweta County Sheriff's Office. No additional details about potential charges or suspects have been released.
This story will be updated as officials release new information.
