The source of the leak was confirmed as Safapac, a hazardous chemical manufacturing company based at Orton Southgate, near Peterborough.

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There was another class of hazardous chemical present: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

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Emergency crews have removed a "potentially hazardous" chemical drum washed up on a Jersey beach, in an operation taking about two-and-a-half hours.

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Companies can use a short form--which simply identifies the plant and the chemical found there--only if they release less than 500 pounds of just one chemical and only if that chemical is not considered one of the most hazardous substances.

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Other jobs, such as in chemical factories or ship-breaking yards, are viewed as even more hazardous.

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It was originally thought the spill involved about 3, 000 litres of a chemical liquid, but the fire service said it was 775 litres of non-hazardous petroleum distillates.

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