Eight barrels containing unknown liquid removed from construction site

The area where a number of barrels containing an unknown substance were discovered is seen on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014. (David Imrie / CTV Kitchener)

Officials in Guelph say they’ve removed a total of eight barrels from a construction site.

The first two of the barrels were discovered Tuesday, at a water main work construction site north of Wellington Street, near the Hanlon Parkway.

Six more of the 170-litre drums were unearthed as the week progressed.

Preliminary examinations show that the barrels contain either solvents or petroleum-based substances, some of which are green in colour and leaked into the surrounding area due to the barrels being punctured.

Further tests are being conducted to determine exactly what the substance is.

The drums are being removed Friday in accordance with environmental regulations, the city said in a press release, and air quality in the area continues to be monitored.

“We’re treating the matter very carefully to ensure there’s no risk to people’s health and safety,” said city engineer Majde Qaqish in the release.

The work site sits on a former landfill.