Coastal communities, First Nations and local governments are among those encouraged to apply to the Province for funding to help with tsunami debris cleanup.

Earlier this year, the Government of Japan graciously presented a one-time grant for approximately $1 million to the Government of Canada to help clean up tsunami debris resulting from the tragic 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. The Province will administer funds since the cleanup will occur on B.C.'s shoreline.

Funding will be available for the next two fiscal years to help with shoreline cleanup efforts and disposal of debris. A portion of the funding will be set aside to cover the possibility of large or potentially dangerous pieces of debris arriving on B.C.'s shores.

More information on the application process, including criteria, can be found at: www.tsunamidebrisbc.ca

All funding decisions will be made by the federal-provincial Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee (TDCC). Representatives from Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment serve as co-chairs of the TDCC.

Quote:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

"This funding will be used in a targeted, responsible way to keep B.C.'s coastline safe and clean. I want to thank the Government of Japan for their generosity in providing this grant; we are looking forward to receiving proposals so we can get down to business and begin cleaning tsunami debris off our beaches as soon as possible."

Quick Facts:

• The tsunami washed an estimated five million tonnes of debris into the sea. An estimated 70 per cent sank off the coast of Japan, leaving approximately 1.5 million tonnes floating in the Pacific Ocean.

• Since leaving the coast of Japan, the debris has been widely dispersed by ocean currents and winds. Some of it continues to sink or be trapped in the garbage gyres. To date, B.C. has seen less debris than originally anticipated.

• The Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee continues to co-ordinate with American Pacific coastal agencies in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and with the Japanese Government.

• Large collections of debris or significant objects should be reported to: DisasterDebris@noaa.gov

• If a person sees something on the beach that appears to be a source of pollution or hazardous material, they should contact the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at 1 800 663-3456.

• To see a map of confirmed tsunami debris sightings, please visit: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/tsunamidebris/debris-map.html

Learn More:

BC Newsroom - Ministry of Environment:http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/environment-1

Contact:

Ministry of Environment Communications
250 953-3834