Japanese Tsunami Debris

Continuing on from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, I'd like to talk about the devastating Japanese Tsunami that happened in 2011.  I'm sure you've all heard about it, read about it and watched news pieces about it.  Now, problems are surfacing again from the Tsunami that happened about 16 months ago.

You name it, and it has been found either in the GPGP or has already reached the US shores.  According to the BBC, scientists have estimated that nearly 20 million tonnes of debris were created by the Tsunami.  Majority of that either stayed on land or immediately sank once being swept out.  However, a large amount, about 1.5 million tonnes, stayed afloat and remains so.  Researchers have gone out into the Pacific, specifically, to find out to what degree the tsunami is (still) affecting the oceans.  What they've found is distressing.

Debris, large and small alike, have been found floating in the oceans that were dragged out to sea in the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami.  An entire dock from a Japanese port was washed up on the shores of Oregon, nearly 5,000 miles away!  A variety of invasive species had also hitched a ride intensifying the issues.  A starfish, local to Japan, was one of possibly hundreds of species found on the dock.  Introducing non-native species like this could cause a tremendous amount of damage to the local, Oregon ecosystem.  They even found a fishing vessel with Japanese registration numbers split in half, yet still afloat.  These large items are not as harmful because they can easily be collected and removed.  It's the smaller items that prove to be more problematic.

These plastic pieces and fishing nets are now washing up on the shores of Hawaii, Alaska and even the west coast.  In Alaska, polystyrene foam buoys have been spotted in the ocean and washing up on shores.  The biggest issue with Alaska, is that this debris, possibly contaminated with radiation is washing up in the wilderness.  Coast line that is untouched and naturally pristine.  CBS reported that "boatloads and boatloads and boatloads" of building insulation and Styrofoam are floating ashore in hard to reach places of remote Alaska.  This might be a 3, 4, or even 5-year clean up process.

Not only are these solid objects hazards but there are liquid hazards as well.  On Montague Island, AK (seen above) there have been oil drums, barrels of chemicals, propane tanks and gas cans that have accompanied the plastic and Styrofoam pieces.  They're contaminating our waters and need to get cleaned up immediately. These are potentially dangerous and, if found, should be approached with caution and only removed by professionals.

The tsunami itself was a deadly devastating disaster and people are still recovering from it.  That aspect should not be overlooked or forgotten, but we also need to focus on the remaining debris and put effort towards cleaning it up.

NOAA has put together a great list of what one might come across on beaches and what should be done.  You should always use common sense and approach all debris with caution.  As always, if it's general litter, plastic bottles, aluminum cans or trash, yes, please pick it up and dispose of it properly.  If you encounter HAZMATs, leave it and contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.  NOAA has an email address, DisasterDebris@noaa.gov, that you can send any questions about anything you come across.  They are also working with local Japanese consulates to return any mementos or important personal possessions.  Imagine that!  Finding something that may be priceless to someone in Japan and being able to get it back to them!

*Tune in to Brian Williams tonight (7/11/12) on NBC to follow the story!


Being Green Tip-of-the-Day:  Have an old toilet with a giant tank?  Too expensive to replace it with a water-saving low flow toilet?  Well - depending on the size of your tank you can inexpensively save water!  Take a 2-liter Soda bottle or gallon milk jug (if it fits), fill them up with water and cap them. Place them in your toilet tank while it's filling up and with the help of the ol' fluid mechanics, displacement will save you water!