On Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that five states impacted by debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami will received up to $50,000 each for use toward cleaning up debris that washes onto state shores.
Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and California are each privy to the grants, which could be released as early as the end of July.
Japan estimates that the tsunami swept around 5 million tons of debris into the Pacific Ocean, with about 70 percent sinking quickly. Modeling indicates that the bulk of the remaining 1.5 million tons of debris scattered across the North Pacific Ocean, and may continue to wash up on U.S. and Canadian shores. Alaska has already seen a share of tsunami debris.
In support of debris removal plans, NOAA has set up a public email reporting system for suspected tsunami debris; as of July 12, NOAA had received 529 reports, 10 of which have been confirmed as originating from last year's tsunami.
They also offer guidelines for dealing with tsunami debris. Topping the list: Safety. "Use common sense…If you don't know what an item is, don't touch it."
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