The State - News from Aug. 13, 1985

The Coast Guard closed three state beaches in San Mateo County as it investigated seven 55-gallon barrels that washed ashore, including one cracked and leaking drum marked “hazardous.” “We don’t know what is inside the drums or where they came from,” said Petty Officer Kathleen Porter. “We don’t know if there are any others out there.” Pescadero, San Gregorio and Pomponio state beaches were closed as a precaution, she said. The Coast Guard’s marine safety unit and the California Department of Forestry were called to pick up the drums and take them away for analysis.