USGS SAFRR Tsunami Scenario Debris Management Assessment of Californian Port Facilities

摘要

The aim of this project is to review and assess debris management for the USGS science application for risk reduction (SAFRR) tsunami scenario affecting the coast of California. The tsunami scenario, generated from a hypothetical but realistic Mw 9.0 earthquake in the Eastern Aleutian Islands, was developed for emergency planning. Understanding the amount of debris that is generated by a tsunami in Southern California will help the port authorities, tenants and local community better plan its management and the recovery process. The first phase of the study, discussed herein, provides a comprehensive assessment of debris management at the ports of los angeles (POLA) and long beach (POLB), CA. The study assessed and evaluated the generated debris by the tsunami scenario, by analyzing physical damage projections from SAFRR. An estimate for time and associated costs with clean up, sorting and removal/disposal of debris was determined. Our study finds that the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles could generate over 177 thousand tons of debris combined, having a disposal cost of approximately $8 million. With the assistance of two temporary sorting facilities, the generated debris could be collected and disposed within 22 days.