The Province and the federal government are making it easy for people to find out more information about the arrival of tsunami debris on B.C.'s coast and what to do with it when found.

An enhanced website at: www.tsunamidebrisbc.ca informs visitors about what the federal and provincial governments are doing to prepare for the arrival of tsunami debris and provides links to other resources.

Jurisdiction for the tsunami debris is a complex issue involving federal, provincial and local governments. To better manage the situation, the two senior levels of government struck a joint Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee in January 2012.

The committee is responsible for bringing together the various levels of government and key interest groups in a co-ordinated response to the debris.

Committee members are beginning to work with local governments, First Nations and other stakeholders all along the coast. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities and volunteer organizations such as the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up have also been engaged. More recently, a letter was sent to stakeholders outlining roles and responsibilities of the committee and its members.

While planning for tsunami debris presents a significant challenge, scientific experts have determined it is unlikely any of the debris that washes up on B.C.'s coastline will pose a significant environmental or public health risk. Nevertheless, committee members are also working with their U.S. counterparts in governments along North America's West Coast and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on plans to deal with debris.

The anticipated tsunami debris is a result of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, claiming more than 15,000 lives and damaging more than 100,000 buildings. The tsunami washed an estimated five million tonnes of debris into the sea. It is estimated that 70 per cent sank off the coast of Japan, leaving approximately 1.5 million tonnes floating in the Pacific Ocean.

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745

BACKGROUNDER

What to do if you find tsunami debris

• Report it: Every year, marine debris from a number of sources washes up on coastlines around the world. In general, report debris that can be attributed to the Japanese tsunami to: DisasterDebris@noaa.gov
• Be Safe: If you don't know what it is, don't touch it. If the item appears to pose an immediate life safety risk, call 911 or your local police. If the items appears to be hazardous but does not pose an immediate risk, report it to the provincial spill reporting line provided under 'Hazardous Materials' below.
• Litter and other typical marine debris: Where it's safe and practical to do so, consider removing litter and recycling any plastics or metals. Removal of large items or personal possessions should be done only in consultation with land managers or responsible agencies. If items can be directly linked to the Japanese Tsunami please report them to DisasterDebris@noaa.gov with as much detail as possible.
• Personal effects or possessions from the Japanese tsunami: Items that appear to be personal belongings related to the Japanese tsunami should be treated with respect. Report them to DisasterDebris@noaa.gov with as much detail as possible. If it is safe to do so, consider moving the object to a safe location and include this location in the email report.
• Hazardous materials: As the tsunami washed material out to sea before nuclear safety concerns emerged, it is highly unlikely that any items would have been exposed to radiation. In the event that potentially hazardous items such as drums, fuel tanks and containers, gas cans, gas cylinders, or chemical storage totes wash ashore, do not touch or attempt to move the item. Ten-inch aluminum insecticide canisters may also be found in high-tide zones. Do not open the cap since these fumigant canisters may contain small amounts of toxic gas. Call B.C.'s spill reporting line at 1 800 663-3456 with a detailed report of what you've observed.
• Derelict vessel, equipment or cargo from a vessel: Report it to Transport Canada at 604 775-8867 or by email to: pacnwp-penpac@tc.gc.ca Do not attempt to move or remove the boat or cargo.
• Human remains: It is extremely unlikely any human remains from the tsunami will reach Canada. However, if you encounter any remains, immediately call 911 or your local police and give authorities a detailed report about what you observed. Do not touch or attempt to move.
• More information: FAQs and information about organized beach cleanup activities is available on the B.C. Ministry of Environment tsunami debris website at: www.tsunamidebrisbc.ca

Contact

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745