The decision should clarify lines of authority and provide a better and more unified response to tons of waste from the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami that is slowly relentlessly closing in on the Northwest coast. Scientists predict that the bulk of the waste will arrive between 2013 and 2015.
While the approach of the waste is recognized, the responsibility for dealing with it has been muddled. NOAA's designation will clarify the government's role and result in a more focused and comprehensive response, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said.
“This severe marine debris designation means the federal government should be an active leader and partner in developing research, mitigation and cleanup plans," Cantwell said after NOAA made its announcement.
"This designation means we’ll be better prepared and equipped to protect our coastal economy when it hits," said Cantwell who has been pushing NOAA to make the declaration.
Tsunami debris, how to deal with it and more importantly, pay for removal, have been persistent questions since it began washing up on beaches along the Pacific Northwest and other points. Indeed, a boat was discovered earlier this month washed ashore in the dunes off of Salishan. On Feb. 6 a a derelict boat from Japan that washed up near Gleneden Beach was taken to a local landfill for disposal. It was just the latest arrival on Oregon beaches that officials say is the advance guard of what could be a large and more frequent wave of waste.
Aside from the cost of removing debris that so far has included everything from basketballs to motorcycles to part of a water-logged dock that weighed 188-tons, scientists worry that the waste could introduce invasive species.
On the boat removed Feb. 6, biologists expected to find 15 to 20 invasive marine species of among the samples they took off the boat. A majority of the organisms clinging to the vessel, however, were gooseneck barnacles and other species common to the area.
The expected increase in waste is causing some innovative responses. Washington state officials are asking clam diggers to carry a trash bag and pick up any plastic foam or bottles they find.In addition to developing a response plan, Cantwell’s amendment also directs NOAA to complete a comprehensive analysis about the debris’ economic and environmental impacts, and when and where it will arrive. This will give Washington state coastal communities the information they need to understand the local impact of debris and how to best prepare for its arrival and removal.
Until now, NOAA had failed to treat tsunami debris any differently than normal marine debris. But a large volume of debris containing objects potentially hazardous to marine navigation or marine life requires more coordination, research and support for response.
In any marine debris event, federal law requires NOAA to determine if the debris constitutes a “severe marine debris event.” If the agency makes this designation, it must notify Congress and work with an inter-agency task force to develop response plans and conduct research to address each event and mitigate the impacts on economic and natural resources.