NEWCASTLE AND BURWOOD BEACHES CLOSED AFTER CHEMICAL TANKS WASH ASHORE A major decanting operation is underway at two Newcastle beaches after chemical tanks washed ashore. NSW Fire and Rescue Hazmat crews and police were called in after midday on Sunday. The markings on the side of the drum at Newcastle Beach identified it as hydrochloric acid and a 200-metre exclusion zone was put in place. The substance has since been identified as sump oil, most likely from a ship offshore. | ABC Newcastle