BY IAN CROUCH
Newcastle Beach was closed for several hours on Sunday after a bulk container marked as being dangerous materials washed ashore.
Firefighters set up a 200 metre exclusion zone amid concerns the contents, which first appeared to be hydrochloric acid, could leak into the water.
Further inspection revealed the container was most likely filled with waste oil.
Crews safely decanted the contents into HAZMAT drums which were taken to a Newcastle Council depot for collection by a contractor.
A similar container washed ashore on Sydney's Northern Beaches several days ago - it's believed the containers may have fallen from a passing ship.
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| Firefighters in protective clothing decanted the contents of the bulk container into HAZMAT drums. Picture: Merewether Fire & Rescue |
