Tsunami Debris Plan Updated
Sunday, December 23, 2012 @ 5:19 AM
Victoria, B.C. – Approximately 1.5-million tonnes of debris resulting from the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011 continues to float around the Pacific Ocean.
Surprisingly, relatively little of it has so far washed up on the shores of western North America although it is expected. In that light an update to the government’s Tsunami Debris Management Plan is now available online at: www.tsunamidebrisbc.ca just in time for the winter storm season along the B.C. coast.
The updated joint federal-provincial plan provides additional information and management protocols including: monitoring and surveillance of debris, collection and disposal of debris, and volunteer engagement.
The intent of the update is to engage communities in debris management and mitigate any impact that debris may have on B.C.’s shores in relation to public safety, the environment and the economy.
Environment Ministry staff, led by the regional director for tsunami debris, Jonn Braman, has been discussing the updated version with local governments and First Nations over the last month, gathering local knowledge and input. Some of the early concerns centre around the costs associated with recycling and landfilling tsunami debris and the possibility of aquatic invasive species washing ashore along the coast.
First Nations and local governments are being advised to monitor tsunami debris impact to their disposal systems over time and are urged to flag their concerns if they notice an increase beyond what they can reasonably manage.
This being the winter storm season it’s difficult to predict when, where, and how much debris will wash ashore in any given area. A recent report from the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Environment suggests the majority of the wind-blown floatable debris (styrofoam, empty plastic containers, buoys, etc) has already hit the Pacific Coast and an increase in lumber-related debris may begin arriving now through June 2013. The report is available online at: http://www.env.go.jp/en/headline/headline.php?serial=1880
Comments
Is there that much debris out there as predicted? Yes there is debris but how much? Lots of predictions but I have yet to read of any evidence to back up the predictions. Time will tell I guess.
I predict that someone will make a prediction.
I predict axman’s prediction will come to pass…
oh look, it did!
Comments for this article are closed.