Drums found in Salem are no threat, official says

SALEM ­— Two black barrels that apparently fell off a pickup truck did not pose an environmental problem.

The barrels were found Tuesday afternoon in the 400 block of Prospect Street. A test showed that one of the barrels had leaked a fluid that turned out to be hydraulic oil. The second barrel contained rusty water, according to city Fire Chief Jeff Hughes.

Authorities righted the barrels, and put protective material around them.

Mike Settles, a spokesman for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said that it has an “orphan drum” program that collects such barrels. The drums will be picked up soon and disposed of safely, he said.