Michael Dalton, an on-scene coordinator for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said storm water mixed with sewage from salad dressing producer T. Marzetti Co. filled the sewers and flooded at least 10 homes in the Clintonville neighborhood, the Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday.

Dalton said the sewer pipes from the homes merge down the line with those from T. Marzetti, but the pipes are not large enough to accommodate the extra water from the storm.

"What happens is that the city allows a lot of construction in an area but doesn't have the money to replace the sewer system," Dalton said. "It's a matter between the city and the residents."

Residents said the sludge that filled their homes bore an unmistakable resemblance to salad toppings.

"It's creamy-ranch-dressing-looking crap," said resident Steven Maiken. "It's not toxic waste, but we did have to throw away a lot of stuff. We tried to wash it off over and over again."