Removal of last chemical drums at old Guelph landfill to start in May

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

Seven months after work stopped at a Guelph construction site due to the discovery of drums of chemicals underground, city officials say they have a plan to remove the last of the barrels.

Eight concrete barrels were discovered last September, at the former landfill on Wellington Street near the Hanlon Parkway.

Work was underway at the time to construct a water main at the site.

When the barrels were discovered, nobody was sure what substance they contained.

Tests determined that the substances were various chemicals used in fuels, solvents and manufacturing, including benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene.

While the drums were removed, two more were later discovered at the site.

Monday, city officials announced that a remediation contract had been hired to remove the remaining drums and buried materials.

“It is hard to say how long it may take, but we’re planning to start cleanup activities in May and then resume construction of the water main,” city engineer Kealy Dedman said in a press release.

Once everything is removed, a fabric liner will be laid over the ground.

The water main will then be placed atop the liner.

The discovery and cleanup of the drums has not significantly altered the overall timeline for the Paisley-Clythe water main, the press release said.