B.C. planning tsunami cleanup as Japan, Canada continue funding talks

VANCOUVER – British Columbia is preparing for a possible increase in debris from the Japanese tsunami as winter storms begin to batter the coast.

B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake says the federal government continues discussions with Japan for funding to pay for the cleanup, but a plan will be in place by the end of October for the collection and disposal of debris.

Lake says there is a lot of uncertainty about just how much and when refuse from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami will hit the coast of North America.

Experts believe about a million and a half tonnes of debris washed into the ocean.

A small percentage is expected to wash ashore in North America over the next two years.

Aside from a few high-profile items — including a Harley Davidson motorcycle that showed up on a B.C. beach in April — the bulk of the debris remains in the middle of the ocean.