Chemical reaction at plant under investigation

CASEYVILLE, Ill. — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is sending an investigator to a Caseyville company where a dense plume of smoke was sent up by a chemical reaction involving what sounds like a modern-day version of a witches' brew.

IEPA spokeswoman Patti Thompson says she understands that Wednesday's reaction in a container at Illini Environmental involved soybean-based toner ink, kitty litter with antifreeze absorbed in it, chlorine tablets and latex paint, all mixed with scraps of disposable diapers.

Illini Environmental co-owner Mark Flood tells the Belleville News-Democrat the materials were not hazardous and had been solidified in order to be properly disposed of at a Fairmont City landfill.

Firefighters and a hazardous materials team were called after the reaction occurred late Wednesday afternoon, and said it was quickly brought under control.