Preparing for Japanese debris

Government officials expect the debris from the Japan tsunami to reach the western United States this summer or fall.

The Environmental Services Division of San Luis Obispo County is planning on checking any debris for radiation.

That’s because some of it is coming from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant region of Japan.

The Japanese government estimates, more than 5 million tons of debris was swept into the ocean more than two years ago.

“They figure about one and a half million tons are floating in the pacific and could make landfall on the west coast,” said Environmental Health Services spokesman Richard Lichtenfels.

County officials do not expect any of the debris to be contaminated with radiation, but they are asking if you find something, do not touch it. Call the local authorities.