Debris Management and FEMA Environmental and Historic Preservation Considerations

Objectives and Assumptions  Goal is to identify a debris management course of action (COA) which will be viable regardless of funding mechanism and/or FEMA involvement which satisfies all Federal, State and local administrative codes and regulations.  Any and all procurements, permits, documentation, and disposal activities should be done in accordance with all applicable Federal, state, local regulations.

Types Of Debris

Most Common Waste Streams - Tactics  Public property debris removal: Is relatively simple since the debris is located on public property or on a right-of-way and does not require permission from the property owner for removal. The public property can include maintained parks, golf courses, etc.  Debris operations are concentrated in the city or confined to an impacted area of the county.  Two readily identifiable waste streams exist: –Curbside / Right of Way (ROW) –Demolition of Structures

Household Garbage -Personal Property – Putrescent Wastes  Solid wastes from the home, clothing, papers, food waste, and refrigerator - freezer contents  Permitted solid waste landfill is only viable option  Segregated, bagged and secured, curbside ROW

Waste Stream – Construction/Demo Construction and Demolition (C/D) Debris: Damaged components of buildings and structures –Lumber, gypsum wallboard –Glass, windows –Roofing material –Tile –Carpeting and floor coverings –Plastic PVC Pipe –Insulation –Furnishings and fixtures –Consider recycling concrete - asphalt

Waste Stream – Vegetative Debris  Trees branches, leaves and logs  Options to reclaim, mulch, chip, burn or landfill  Staging areas need to be pre-screened and cleared prior to use  Burning must be in accordance with guidance from your state environmental commission or department and any permits or special allowance must be obtained before any burns begin

WASTE STREAM - HHW  Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): Refers to hazardous products and materials that are used and disposed of by residential, rather than commercial or industrial consumers.  HHW includes paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, and other products or materials containing volatile chemicals that catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic.  Consider recycling batteries, compressed gases, and petro- chemical products if possible.  Coordinate this effort with your State environmental commission/department. Must be documented and permitted!

WASTE STREAM – White Goods  White Goods: White goods are defined as discarded household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers, and water heaters.  Must consider freon capture.  Must consider oil removal from motors/compressors when required.

Waste Streams – Misc. Special - Unusual  Ferrous & Non-Ferrous: Recycling that includes construction and/or HVAC copper, aluminum and brass components.  Electronic waste, or e-waste: Recycling of electronics that contain hazardous materials such as cathode ray tubes, televisions, computers, stereos, etc.  Tires  Batteries  Think Recycling = Cost Savings $

Complex Debris Removal Issues  Private property debris removal: PPDR can include curbside or right of way clearing or more invasive “on property” debris removal and hazard mitigation management practices.  Private property demolition: Is the most complicated debris removal category due to the volume of documentation required and the necessary involvement of many different stakeholders.

Demolitions and Private Property Debris Removal  Requires early EHP involvement  Often must be coordinated with other agencies  Must complete EHP review one property at a time

DEMOLITION ASSESSMENT

VOLUME ASSUMPTIONS Average 1,800 sq ft – approx 508 cy debris per house Sitrep: 142 destroyed homes / 51 with major damage Inspectors: 76 destroyed / 117 with structural damage Additional Potential Public Debris Sources: Alternate Care Facility Nursing Home Schools EMS Facility

RESIDENTIAL DEMOLITION ACTIONS

Demo Actions – Considerations  Asbestos Inspections – complete abatements as required for multi family units IAW EPA guidance  Phased – Coordinated Demolitions and traffic control  Need to track each house; volume – house by house  Debris Monitors in place  Air Monitoring as required by regulation  Public perception and safety

Greensheet  Greensheet is specific to each declared disaster  Tribal disasters also have a Greensheet  Contains important forms and information for Applicants  Debris forms  Contact information  USACE consultation forms  Information on each law

Greensheet Content

Contacts for Agencies

Debris Site Certification  Specific to each state  Developed by FEMA in coordination with State Environmental and Historic Preservation Offices  Must be signed by the state commission or department of environmental quality and in most cases the State Historic Preservation Officer

Debris  SHPO site certification is to protect archeological resources and potential affects to historic structures or districts from debris sites (burying debris, vibrations from heavily loaded trucks, etc.)

SUMMARY  Regardless of funding source – waste streams will need to be addressed – regulatory obligation  Extensive and comprehensive logistical / tactical coordination is needed between the citizens-city - county-State-Federal [if declared])  Public messaging and participation, use of volunteers  Need decision on city responsibility for ROW debris – ordinances to condemn  Cost Effectiveness - Procurement Changing course of action mid-stream = consequences – CONTRACTS!  Documentation of all costs, disposal actions and locations, monitoring actions and timelines

QUESTIONS?

Contacts Kevin Jaynes, Regional Environmental Officer FEMA Region Desk