USA: Washington State Dept. Health: Japanese Tsunami Debris FAQ

Finally they are starting to acknowledge the situation


Tsunami Debris
[link to www.doh.wa.gov]

Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 3/22/12


When will the Japanese tsunami debris reach Washington?
Many variables affect where the debris will go and when. Items will sink, disperse and break up along the way. Winds and ocean currents constantly change, making it very difficult to predict an exact date and location for the debris’ arrival on our shores.

Scientists are relying on computer models to predict the debris items’ path and drift rate. Independent models run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and University of Hawaii tell us some debris may wash ashore in the Hawaiian Islands this winter or approach Washington’s coast in 2013. These models can only assume general direction and timing. There is no guarantee the debris will stay on its predicted path.

Why are pieces of debris washing up now if scientists think it will take years?

Marine debris is an everyday problem for much of the Pacific Region, and it washes upon our coasts from Asia all of the time. Items need to be closely inspected before we can determine, if possible, that they were washed into the sea by the tsunami.

Are there really 25 million tons of debris coming this way? Is there a debris field?

It's a misconception that there are 20-25 million tons of debris in the water from the tsunami. The Japanese government estimated that the tsunami and earthquake generated 25 million tons of debris total but there is no confirmed estimate of how much actually was swept back into the water. There is also little information on what types of debris (boats vs. trash vs. appliances) went into the water.

Immediately after the event, satellite sensors focused on the area around Japan picked up tsunami debris, but by April 14 the debris had dispersed to a point where the sensors could no longer detect it. This doesn't mean it has vanished - we just can't see it with lower resolution satellites, making it very difficult to locate.

The debris is no longer in a “debris field.” There is no one debris field but there are many items scattered across a large area of the North Pacific.

Is the debris radioactive?
Scientists agree this is highly unlikely for several reasons:
First, the tsunami created debris over a large stretch of coastal Japan, while the leak from the damaged Fukushima reactor occurred in one place. The vast majority of the debris was many miles away from the reactor so it had no contact with the radioactive leak.
Second, the leak of contaminated water from the reactor into the sea started days to weeks after the debris was washed out to sea. By the time the radioactive water leak developed, the debris was already in the ocean, miles away from the reactor.
Finally, vessels coming into the United States from Japan were monitored for radiation, and readings were below the level of concern. In the one instance where debris from the Fukushima region was found – a small boat picked up by the research vessel STS Pallada – it was tested for radiation and the levels were normal.
This is not to say that cleaning up the shoreline and handling marine debris is risk free. As with any outdoor activity, it is important to follow common sense and put safety first. Avoid picking up debris that you are not well equipped and trained to handle. For example, be careful of sharp objects that could cut your hands, and avoid picking up chemical containers. If you do see a full drum of chemicals on the beach, report it and avoid handling it yourself. If you are uncomfortable handling any debris item, leave it where it is.

What is Washington State Department of Health doing to address the impact of the debris on our coastal communities?
Our scientists are monitoring debris to confirm the lack of contamination.
Our staff are meeting with coastal communities and tribes to share information and make sure we are addressing local concerns.
We are working with the state’s Emergency Management Division, the Department of Ecology and NOAA to make sure people are well informed about any possible risk from debris.

What are our federal partners doing about the tsunami-generated marine debris?

NOAA is leading federal efforts:
The NOAA Marine Debris Program is working with internal and external partners on a Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Assessment and Response plan to respond to the potential threats posed by marine debris resulting from the Japan tsunami.
NOAA is one of the lead members on a Japan Tsunami Debris Workgroup including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and University of Hawaii researchers, among others.
NOAA is working with EPA on a joint "Tsunami Debris Workgroup Bulletin." Sign up to receive this bulletin.
NOAA is gathering information on significant sightings of marine debris in the North Pacific through NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operation’s Pacific fleet of vessels, the NOAA Voluntary Observing Ship Program, and NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program and their work with the Hawaii longline fishing industry.
NOAA is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on shoreline debris monitoring in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
NOAA is monitoring satellite data.

Japan recently experienced two earthquakes. What impacts do we expect in Washington from these quakes?
There is no impact to Washington State from these earthquakes.
We are continuing our environmental monitoring as usual.

What about navigational safety hazards created by the tsunami debris?

Questions about navigation safety?
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Department of Transportation's MARAD advisory

How will the Washington State Department of Health decide what tsunami debris to survey or sample along our coastline?

We agree with other government agencies and informed scientists that the debris is highly unlikely to be radioactive. We plan to send staff to survey/sample:
If the debris is marked or labeled as radioactive material.
If the debris is painted magenta and yellow (international colors associated with radiation).
When requested by local officials to support public concerns within the coastal communities.
If debris marked with Japanese script (kanji) washes ashore (the first few times after the NOAA models predict it will arrive in Washington).
If first responder radiation readings are greater than agency guidelines.

What is the Washington State Department of Health doing to prepare for the predicted arrival of the tsunami debris in 2013?

Our agency’s Office of Radiation Protection coordinates our response with international, federal, regional, state and local governments. Specific activities include:
Attending community meetings in affected counties, and participating in other public, partner and media education efforts.
Performing limited radiological surveys in coastal communities.
Performing limited sampling of fish (i.e., salmon and steelhead) for contamination.
Attending an Earth Day beach cleanup in April 2012 to learn about the types of debris we can normally expect, allowing us to establish baseline readings.
Developing—with other government agencies—a unified plan for the debris.