Popcorn factory accused in pipe stoppage

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- A popcorn factory in Lake Forest, Ill., caused a sewer pipe to become clogged and eventually overflow due to dumped materials, officials allege.

North Shore Sanitary District officials filed a violation notice against The Popcorn Factory, accusing the Lake Forest site of dumping production materials into a sewer that caused a spill in July, The Chicago Tribune said Thursday.

"Caramel and grease. Part of a batch got flushed through, and it solidified in the sewer, which caused a blockage," agency assistant general manager Dave Miller said.

Popcorn Factory Chief Operating Officer Alan Petrik said a routine cleaning had resulted in some caramel entering the sewer line.

Petrik, whose company paid the district's $2,195 cost to unclog the pipe, said the Popcorn Factory previously operated without incident for three decades.

The Tribune said district officials have notified the popcorn manufacturer it must create a plan for the installation of degreasing equipment at the factory by Dec. 5.