Haddam Fire Company Responds to Unknown Substance

UPDATE: DEEP has tested and identified the substance as a "possible type of building product." They have determined that it does not pose a threat. According to Bob Norton of the Haddam Fire Company, the area has been secured and residents are clear to return home.

ORIGINAL STORY

At approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, the  responded to an unknown substance at the High Meadow housing neighborhood in Haddam. According to the fire department, the substance was treated as a hazardous material situation due to the unidentifiable nature of the powder.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) was notified and a mobile DEEP lab was expected to be on-site in Haddam before 10 p.m. to identify and make a determination on the safety of the substance.

In the meantime, residents have been evacuated until it has been determined if it is safe to return.

One resident was affected by the powder and has been evaluated by EMS personnel on scene, but was not transported and is only experiencing mild discomfort.

No other residents at the housing complex appear to have been affected. Emergency personnel are still on the scene.

Information provided by Bob Norton, Haddam Fire Company Public Relations Liaison.