Secondary test results support theory that white foam was naturally occurring

A second set of water samples on a white foam substance spotted in the Elk River in the Charleston area tested negative today for any harmful materials.
 
These results, combined with earlier negative test results, support the theory that the foam was a natural occurrence related to the decay of plants and other organic materials.

The tests were conducted by the National Guard Civil Support Team and ALS Environmental for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). WVDEP inspectors collected the samples on Thursday after being alerted to the material’s presence by Kanawha County emergency officials, who in turn had been notified by local media.

The WVDEP inspectors spent the bulk of the day along the river and its tributaries Thursday to make sure there was no evidence that the foam was the result of a spill.