More tsunami debris expected on Washington beaches

OLYMPIA — Winter winds and ocean currents are expected to deposit more debris on the Washington coast from the March 2011 tsunami in Japan.

State Ecology Department spokeswoman Linda Kent said the amount of debris declined over the summer after peaking in June, but it could pick up as weather patterns shift.

The state Marine Debris Task Force is holding three community meetings on response plans on Nov. 7 in Port Angeles, Nov. 15 in Ocean Shores and Dec. 6 in Long Beach.

Plans call for volunteers to dispose of small items like plastic foam they find while beachcombing.

The Ecology Department and Coast Guard will respond to potentially hazardous materials such gas cans and oil drums. Kent said the department handled 10 such items in the first six months this year.