Several syringes were found among debris that washed ashore in Belmar, prompting crews to sweep the beach and remove potentially hazardous items.
The Belmar/Lake Como Office of Emergency Management said it was notified of debris washing ashore during an afternoon high tide. Several syringes were found along the water's edge.
Belmar OEM contacted the Monmouth County HazMat Team and county Health Department. Personnel from OEM, the Belmar Department of Public Works and Belmar police then searched the beach and found and safely removed additional syringes.
Officials said additional beach sweeps would be conducted in the morning and afternoon following high tide cycles. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was also notified.
Anyone who finds a syringe or other potentially hazardous debris is asked not to handle it and to contact the Belmar Police Department.