Investigators Examining Dalton Chemical Accident

Dalton, GA, May 22, 2012 -- Investigators are trying to determine whether hundreds of pounds of compounds that spewed from a Dalton chemical plant reactor Monday morning could contaminate the local water supply, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

On Monday morning, MFG Chemical workers were mixing 8,000 pounds of a compound called Coaglant 129, used in water treatment, when the reactor overheated and some of the liquid spewed through the roof. Metal parts from the roof smashed into a next-door plant and liquid sprayed trucks, buildings and a nearby parking lot, officials said.

The company said on its website that the compound wasn't toxic and the material was biodegradable.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials were testing the compound to make sure it wasn't harmful to the environment and wouldn't contaminate the water supply, the story said.