Think you have found tsunami debris? Here’s what to do

This buoy found recently near the south jetty could possibly be debris from the tsunami that hit Japan last year. Information of such debris can be reported to DisasterDebris@noaa.gov. Photo by Rich Colton

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided the following information for coastal residents:

Consensus among scientists is that it is highly unlikely the debris is radioactive.

Marine debris items potentially related to the tsunami can be reported to DisasterDebris @noaa.gov. If you do not know what the item is, do not touch it. If you believe you have found a hazardous item, call 911 and report it. Do not contact the disaster debris email address for emergency response. When reporting:

• Be as specific with location information as possible. If you know the longitude and latitude, even better.

• Include date and time you found the item.

• Attach photos and any relevant descriptions.

Remember: not all debris is from Japan, so NOAA asks that you use discretion when reporting items.

Guidelines by debris type:

• Litter, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, buoys and Styrofoam. Remove the items, if practical, and recycle as much as possible.

• Potential hazardous materials, such as oil or chemical drums, gas cans, or propane tanks. Call local authorities at 911 and the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 to report the item with as much information as possible. Do not touch or attempt to move it.

• Derelict vessels or other large debris, such as adrift fishing boats or shipping containers. Call 911 to report the item. If the item is a hazard to navigation, contact the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Command at 510-437-3701 for assistance. Do not attempt to move or remove vessels.

• Mementos or possessions, such as items with names or markings. If an item can be traced back to an individual or group and/or has personal or monetary value, it should be reported to DisasterDebris @noaa. NOAA will work with local Japan consulates to determine if they can help return the item to Japan.

• Remains. It is highly unlikely that remains from the tsunami will reach the United States, but if you see human remains anywhere, call 911 and report what you observed. Do not touch or attempt to move them.

For more information, visit www.marinedebris.noaa.gov.

For the complete article see the 06-16-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 06-16-2012 paper.

Share on Facebook