SALEM, Ore. – Oregon is putting out dumpsters at coastal parks for beachgoers to throw away tsunami debris. Governor John Kitzhaber announced Thursday he’s appointed an interagency team to coordinate efforts to dispose of materials washed up from last year’s Japanese tsunami.
A new hotline provides instruction and access to a quick response team for help with larger remains. National Guard General Mike Caldwell, heads the new taskforce.
“My job in this circumstance is going to be to coordinate with all of our partners, deconflict any issues, remove impediments that may confront us, and keep the public informed onto what we are doing and how we are doing it.”
Current tsunami debris clean-up is being funded by existing agency budgets, but the task force is working with other coastal states to seek federal assistance.
Kitzhaber says the number of dumpsters that fill up will help estimate clean-up costs.
On the Web:
Oregon beach debris FAQS:
http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/tsunami_debris.shtml
Debris handling guidelines:
http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/tsunamidebris/debris_handling.html
Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network
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