Action plan in place for tsunami debris washing up on WA shores
Jul 6, 2012, 2:04 PM | Updated: 3:17 pm
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, right, listens as Lynn Albin of the Department of Health describes the Geiger counter readings she's getting from a piece of styrofoam found on the beach in Ocean Shores, Wash., Monday, June 18, 2012. Officials say that there has been no radiation detected from items that have washed ashore. Gov. Gregoire announced Monday a state plan to address tsunami debris that reaches the state's coast from Japan but stressed that federal help is needed. (AP Photo/Rachel La Corte)
(AP Photo/Rachel La Corte)
The next time a motorcycle washes up on your local beach, there is a number to call and a location to email a photo.
The state Ecology Department is asking beachcombers to throw away plastic foam, bottles and other small items that are landing on the Washington coast, apparently from the tsunami last year in Japan.
People who find large or potentially hazardous items are encouraged to report them to the department’s new marine debris line, 1-855-WACOAST (1-855-922-6278).
If an item could be identified by an owner in Japan, finders can email a photo to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at disasterdebris@noaa.gov.
Dozens of items from the tsunami have landed on the Washington coast, including a 20-foot boat that washed ashore June 15 near Ilwaco.
Gov. Chris Gregoire has also released $500,000 from her emergency fund to address costs associated with potential debris washing up on the state’s beaches from the Japanese tsunami.
Gregoire said that the money will be released to the state’s Military Department Emergency Management Division, which is coordinating the state’s response to the debris.
The state Department of Ecology has already allocated $100,000 from its litter cleanup account for tsunami debris removal, but Gregoire said there has been a steady stream of debris showing up on beaches and costs to remove it are climbing.
Other items from Asia, including buoys, have been regularly washing up on the coast and may not be from the tsunami.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
