Boots on the Ground: Puget SoundCorps to remove creosote at Kitsap beaches

By Stephanie Jackson, WCC Project Coordinator, and Jasmine Davis, WCC Outreach Assistant, Ecology Washington Conservation Corps

Member Alex Stowe stages creosote debris for airlift, 2011


Member Shawn Montgomery removes marine


Puget SoundCorps crew clearing a derelict dock at Maury Island, 2012

Through a partnership between the Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Ecology (Ecology), Washington Conservation Corps’ (WCC) Puget SoundCorps crews, have been cleaning up Puget Sound beaches since 2011.

The most recent round of beach cleanup focuses on removing toxic creosote through a partnership with Kitsap County Parks and Recreation. This project started on April 29 and will continue through May 3, 2013.

WCC’s Puget SoundCorps provides practical work experience for young adults and recently returning military veterans through a partnership with Ecology, DNR, State Parks and the state Department of Veterans Affairs. The crews cleaning up Washington's beaches consist of both veteran and non-veteran members. In exchange for their efforts, members earn the state minimum wage and an education award (scholarship) through AmeriCorps.

SoundCorps removing toxic threats

SoundCorps crews work with DNR staff to identify and remove creosote treated pilings, old docks, and other debris that have washed ashore. Creosote is a toxic compound that includes many chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are harmful to marine life.

PAHs were identified as a toxic chemical of concern in Ecology’s Puget Sound Toxics Assessment. The study found that when PAHs leach into the bottom sediments of Puget Sound, the pollutant can cause tumors in marine flatfish. PAHs from oil and fuel spills in water also can cause heart defects in the developing embryos of herring and other fish species.

Getting contaminated debris ready for airlift

Puget SoundCorps crews have grown adept at creosote removal through their efforts in other parts of Washington. During some projects, crews work alongside helicopter pilots for removal of larger pieces, allowing them to practice rigging techniques learned within the WCC program. The crew members enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the satisfaction of putting their training to use while helping the environment. In January 2013, the SoundCorps crew led by supervisor, Darrell Borden, spent a week working along the Dungeness Spit in Sequim. In that short time, they removed 13 tons of creosote material from the beach preventing future pollution from leaching into the environment.

Puget SoundCorps crews perform other beach cleanup including surveys, marine debris removal, and litter removal. Crews also report derelict ships, if found. By performing beach cleanup, crews feel a part of the big picture and consider their work to be an important contribution and an exciting adventure.

Learn more about the Washington Conservation Corps.

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NOAA to talk tsunami debris during March 6 ‘Tweetchat’

by Linda Kent, communication manager, Southwest Regional Office

In the two years since a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, state and federal agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have done much to prepare for the potential arrival of tsunami debris.

The March 11, 2011, tragedy claimed nearly 16,000 lives, injured about 6,000 people and destroyed or damaged countless buildings. The Japanese government estimates the tsunami swept about 5 million tons of debris into the Pacific Ocean, but about 70 percent sank near shore shortly afterwards.

The remaining 1.5 million tons – much of it lumber and wood – dispersed far across the North Pacific Ocean, and some has reached U.S. shores – including Washington.

NOAA remains the best source for Japan tsunami marine debris information, including modeling predicting where and debris might arrive, protocols for handling marine debris, and frequently asked questions and answers about tsunami debris.

NOAA is collaborating with state, federal, tribal and local partners to collect data, assess the debris, and reduce possible tsunami debris impacts to our coastal communities and natural resources.

Participate in March 6  ‘Tweetchat’

NOAA will hold a ‘Tweetchat’ to talk about tsunami debris with Nancy Wallace, Director for NOAA’s Marine Debris Program,  on Wednesday, March 6 starting at noon Pacific Time (3 p.m. Eastern Time).

To participate, Tweet your questions to @NOAAdebris using hashtag #TsunamiDebris

Get answers to questions such as:

• What types of debris are expected to reach U.S. shores and where?
• Is the debris radioactive?
  
• What should I do if I see debris?

Learn more about the Tweetchat here: http://go.usa.gov/4SVT

Other information resources

More general tsunami debris information is available at NOAA's Information and FAQs page.
Learn more about Washington State efforts here: http://marinedebris.wa.gov/

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Be safe: NOAA says uptick in coastal marine debris can include hazardous items

By Curt Hart, communications manager, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program

As hundreds of people head out to Washington’s coastal shores to dig razor clams, bird watch and just take pleasure being on the beach, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is sharing important information in a new blog entitled “Smart Handling of Marine Debris.”

NOAA’s blog contains an important precautionary note about how beachgoers who pick up debris on our coast can stay safe.

It’s also important to report marine debris suspected to be from the March 11, 2011, Japan tsunami to NOAA at DisasterDebris@noaa.gov.

Precaution for volunteer cleanup efforts

This is really important because Washington relies heavily on the efforts of selfless, dedicated volunteers and citizen actions to help keep our beaches clean.

People are encouraged to do their part in cleaning up the increase in marine debris our coastal beaches are seeing. However, it’s important to look for specific hazard symbols and labels when you encounter debris to stay safe.

Ecology reports increased coastal field responses

Since Jan. 1, 2013, Ecology has received 8 reports of potentially hazardous items washing up on our coastal beaches, including gas cylinders, drums and fuel containers.

In an average year, Ecology typically handles 6 to 10 such reports on coastal beaches.

The bottom line is if you encounter something on the beach and you’re not sure what it is, don’t move it or touch it – especially if you see any indication an item might be toxic, corrosive or flammable, contain an explosive, biohazard or pose any other threat.

Let the professionals handle it instead.

Report potentially hazardous debris items

Call the state’s toll-free marine debris reporting hotline at 1-855-WACOAST (1-855-922-6278). Select “1” to speak to someone to report oil or hazardous debris.

People who call 1-855-WACOAST also can:

• Report large floating debris items that might pose a boating or navigation hazard by pressing "2."
• Leave a message about any other debris-related issues by pressing "3."

NOAA is the lead agency for predicting how marine debris is likely moving in the ocean, including debris from the tragic March 11, 2011 tsunami that struck Japan.

They are the best source for Japan tsunami marine debris information.

For more information about marine debris in Washington, including potential Japan tsunami debris, visit the state’s Tsunami / Marine Debris website.

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NOAA has best information about Japanese tsunami debris

By Curt Hart, communications manager, Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program

The tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 washed much of what was in the inundation zone into the Pacific Ocean as it receded from land.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, heavier materials sank closer to shore while buoyant materials went on to make up debris fields in the waters surrounding Japan.

NOAA assessing debris, potential impactsNOAA is taking the lead on efforts to collect data, assess debris and possible impacts based on sound science, and protect our natural resources and coasts. The agency has created a comprehensive website to answer questions about the Japanese tsunami debris.

According to NOAA, the debris fields seen in the ocean off the Japanese coast right after the tsunami are no longer visible. Winds and ocean currents have scattered items in the Pacific Ocean.

Nancy Wallace, director of NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, has posted a blog about the facts and misconceptions surrounding the tsunami debris issue.

Where, when beach impacts still uncertain

NOAA scientists are using models designed to help predict when and where the debris may show up on the West Coast – including Washington. Debris is expected here in early 2013. There’s a lot of uncertainty about:

• What’s still floating in the ocean.



• Where it’s located.



• Where it will go.



• When it will arrive.

Radioactive threats extremely slim

However, NOAA has concluded that any debris is extremely unlikely to be radioactive because:

• The tsunami debris was washed out to sea well before any leak occurred at the Fukushima nuclear plant.


• The debris was generated over hundreds of miles along the Japanese coast while radioactive water leaked from just one place.

Washington agencies working with NOAA, other partners

In Washington, several state agencies including the departments of Ecology, Health, Military-Emergency Management Division, Natural Resources, and Washington State Parks, have a response role should Japanese tsunami debris wash up on our coast.

We are working closely with NOAA to assess and evaluate potential tsunami debris impacts to:

• Our coastal communities.


• The public’s health.


• Our beaches, lands and environment.

This effort includes working closely with our local and tribal government partners to help ensure that any needed response is well coordinated.

Helping our coastal communities

Since January, NOAA and several state agencies have presented information and answered questions at eight public meetings along our coastal communities and tribal centers.

We are preparing a response plan so that when and if the debris arrives in early 2013 our communities will have ready access to questions about the debris.

Report tsunami debris to NOAA

In the meantime, if you think you’ve found any Japanese tsunami debris, report it to NOAA at disasterdebris@NOAA.com.

Report oil spills and hazardous materials to state and federal officials

As always, immediately notify the proper state and federal authorities if you spot an oil spill or find containers with possible harmful chemicals inside. Be safe. Don’t hesitate to call 1-800-OILS-911 and 1-800-424-8802.

Threats of tsunamis and radiation in Washington

The devastating earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami and nuclear reactor damage concerns all of us. While our hearts and minds are with those suffering in Japan, it’s also natural to worry about what it might mean for us here in Washington. State and federal agencies are monitoring potential dangers, and numerous websites contain useful and timely information.

• The Washington Department of Health is conducting radiation monitoring and will continue to update their website
  
  
• The Washington Department of Natural Resources' Ear to the Ground blog has a fairly comprehensive list of tsunami related resources.

Check these sites for updated information regarding public health and safety in Washington state.

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