MANSFIELD, Ohio — A leaking 30-gallon white barrel full of liquid chemicals on Melvin Switzer’s property in Monroe Township prompted him to call the authorities late Monday morning.
“I thought it was explosive,” said Switzer. “But I think it’s some kind of cleaner. I turned the valve so it didn’t leak anymore though. I’ve lived here 79 years. Seen a lot of wrecks but nothing ever like this.”
Switzer’s neighbor, Terry McMillen said, “I hope they clean some of that out of there … we don’t need that in the water. Lord knows what’s in there.”
Richland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Mifflin Township Fire Department responded to the call. Firefighter Rob Merideth identified the substance as an alkaline cleaner, with half of the substance left. The barrel had a label that read “Corrosive.”
EMA Deputy Director Rick Evans said approximately 15 gallons of alkaline bleach cleaner had leaked into the roadside creek. He said the creek eventually led to Pleasant Hill Lake.
“We called EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and they suggested we bring in an over-pack drum. So that’s what we’re going to do on a later date,” said Evans.
He explained that the over-pack drum will enclose the white barrel so the EPA can inspect it and confiscate the material at one of their facilities.
“It’s (the alkaline bleach cleaner) not flammable,” said Evans.
Evans did not know how the barrel ended up there.
The white barrel was found located on 3665 state Route 39 before the state Route 603 junction.
