Hazmat crews called to Columbia hotel for toxic-looking substance

A hazmat team was called to the Holiday Inn by the Lake of the Woods Thursday morning after getting reports of a dangerous-looking substance.

Following further testing at the site, it was found to be non-toxic. A skid loader was brought in to remove the surrounding dirt as a precaution.

Both Columbia and Boone County fire officials responded around 9:15 a.m.

They think the material washed away from a nearby hill, but the hotel does not have surveillance cameras pointed at that specific part of the lot, so they do not know the exact source.

Crews also believe the recent rain helped weaken the solution.