Clean-up crews are responding to a significant spill of powdered carbon, after a truck delivering the substance to the Kaw water treatment plant near Third and Illinois streets malfunctioned.

City officials reported the spill created a large plume of fine black dust that drifted into the air near the plant and looked like smoke. City officials said the carbon spill does not produce a hazardous situation for nearby residents.

Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and police officers, however, are on the scene and blocking access to the area. Areas affected include Third Street from Indiana to Illinois streets and the intersection of Third and Mississippi streets.

The delivery company currently is arranging for a private clean-up company to respond to the scene.

Powdered carbon is used in the water treatment process. The Kaw water plant remained in operation throughout the incident. City officials said a blocked delivery line caused the malfunction.