That was no earthquake: What we learned about Wednesday’s tremor
A minor magnitude 2.3 earthquake rattled parts of metro Atlanta on July 29, 2026, near Lilburn. (FOX 5 Storm Team)
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Wednesday’s reported minor earthquake centered near Lilburn appears to have been more manmade than a natural rumbling.
What we know:
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 2.3 earthquake shook metro Atlanta just after noon on Wednesday. The tremor was only felt locally, with only those in the immediate area reporting a vibration or rumble similar to a large truck passing.
On Thursday, the USGS changed the status to "quarry blast." The center of the quake was triangulated to the campus of Meadowcreek High School behind Gwinnett County Fire Station 23.
There are no fewer than three quarries in that area, all active.
What we don't know:
It remains unknown which specific quarry performed the blast that caused the tremor.
It is unclear if any damage was caused to Meadowcreek High School or nearby properties.
Authorities have not stated whether future planned blasts will occur in the area.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the U.S. Geological Survey, who reported the seismic activity and updated its classification, as well as local geographical data regarding active quarries near Lilburn.