Barrels containing waste found in ditch

Curt Piesch, left, of the state Department of Ecology and Vancouver Hazmat Team member Dave Sturbelle hoist a barrel of waste into a state vehicle on Sunday. (CHRIS MOEN/Vancouver Fire Department)

Hazardous materials experts were called about 11:30 a.m. Sunday when two barrels containing waste products were found in a ditch in the 19000 block of Old Evergreen Highway.

The Vancouver Fire Department responded and called for its Hazmat Team, said department spokesman Chris Moen.

Initial tests showed the leaking barrels were holding flammable waste products, perhaps solvent or thinner with diesel fuel mixed in, Moen said.

State Department of Ecology spill response team member Curt Piesch was called. Piesch examined the barrels and tested the waste and then put the barrels in his specially equipped pickup. Piesch said little or no damage was done to the area’s environment.

Moen said he believed the barrels were taken to Philips Services Corp. in Washougal.

Eight firefighters also responded, Moen said.



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