Vic: Drums containing chemicals washing up on Victorian beaches
21 May 2009 2:21 PM
MELBOURNE, May 21 AAP - Large drums believed to contain chemicals have been washing up on Victorian beaches since May 10, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) says.
The EPA says seven 25 litre drums have been found on beaches between Phillip Island and Venus Bay between May 10 and May 19, southeast of Melbourne and appear to have washed off a ship.
The EPA says most of the drums are unlabelled but are in reasonably good condition.
"One drum has had an intact label that describes the contents as industrial solvent, commonly used for cleaning metal," said EPA director of environmental services Bruce Dawson.
"However, the contents of all the drums will be tested and analysed to confirm the substance."
He said if any beachgoers come across a drum they should not touch it or try to remove it.
