Debris management planning, execution, and monitoring in accordance with FEMA requirements and environmental laws and regulations is an essential part of emergency management. While most emergency management professionals are aware of this, they lack the basic “boots on the ground” knowledge possessed by public works professionals on how to conduct these operations. Conversely, public works professionals frequently do not possess the knowledge regarding legal and regulatory requirements for not only disposing of debris after a disaster but also the monitoring requirements that ensure maximum reimbursement from FEMA and state authorities. Unfortunately, when a debris-producing disaster occurs, this disconnect can lead to delays in debris clearance, anger from the public, and less than optimal reimbursement, further hampering recovery efforts. This presentation will equip the public works professional with the knowledge essential for developing an effective and comprehensive debris management and monitoring plan. We will instruct participants regarding the basic elements of a plan, discuss FEMA reimbursement and monitoring requirements, and provide a basic understanding of how to develop an effective incident command structure. We will emphasize the importance of working with other first responders in developing the plan but also provide real-world examples regarding how our solid waste and street maintenance divisions modified existing plans and procedures to create a plan.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be better able to:
• Develop a comprehensive and effective debris management and monitoring plan for their jurisdiction.
• Recognize the vital importance of pre-identifying temporary debris management sites, identify types of debris and the respective handling and disposal of each type, and develop pre-scripted communications to the public for use during events.
• Evaluate potential debris management and monitoring vendors.
Contributor/Source
Robert Cole
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Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
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