TODD COUNTY, KY. (WKRN) – Authorities said a Clarksville-based waste hauler is to blame for a “mysterious substance” dumped on a road in Todd County.

On Tuesday, the Todd County Sheriff’s Office released photos seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a mystery substance that was dumped along Jim Green Road. 

The sheriff said the substance appeared to be vinyl and intentionally dumped. Hours later, Todd County Emergency Management stated that they believed they found the culprit.

According to Todd County Emergency Management (EMA), a waste hauler from Clarksville lost a load of scrap label material and did not notify any local agencies about the incident.

Officials said after receiving multiple tips, they were able to track down and speak with company representatives regarding their plans to clean up the scene. According to Todd County EMA, the company’s representatives agreed to begin clean-up as soon as they could find the appropriate equipment and contractors.

However, around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, officials were alerted that the material had been set on fire. EMA crews located several small fires burning at the scene with no one near the scene.

Todd County EMA officials said the particular material melts before it burns, so there is no contamination to the soil and damage to the roadway. Officials said the repairs and cleanup will require local tax money.

The burning material also creates poisonous gases, which according to Todd County EMA, violates several state and federal clean air regulations.

Anyone with additional information about the burning material is asked to report it to Todd County Dispatch at 270-265-2501.