Amy Sebring: Welcome to the EIIP Virtual Library! Amy Sebring: For the benefit of our first-timers, when you see a blue web address, you can click on it and the referenced Web page should appear in a browser window. Amy Sebring: After the first one, the browser window may not automatically come to the top, so you may need to bring it forward by clicking on a button at the status bar at the bottom of your screen. Amy Sebring: We will start with a presentation, and then follow with a Q&A session for your questions and comments. Right before we begin the Q&A portion we will review the procedure. Amy Sebring: Please do NOT send direct messages to the speaker or moderator as it makes it difficult for us to follow the discussion. Amy Sebring: Background information for today's session may be found at http://www.emforum.org/vlibrary/991103.htm Amy Sebring: There you will find a link to the paper that is the topic of today's discussion, "The Debris Management Cycle: An Overview." Amy Sebring: We are pleased to welcome Robert Swan from Dewberry & Davis, who is an expert in this area having worked many of the major disasters of the decade. He is the author of the FEMA Debris Management Guide and developed the Debris Management Course for FEMA's Emergency Management Institute. Amy Sebring: Welcome Bob. We are very pleased to have you with us today. Robert Swan: Thank you Amy Robert Swan: GOOD AFTERNOON. Each year local and State government entities worldwide are faced with the task of removing and disposing of debris caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, fires, and earthquakes. These debris- generating events have significant impacts on the economic and social well being of the affected communities. Robert Swan: Debris removal and cleanup will cost more than any other item in a disaster recovery budget. Moreover, responsible officials will find themselves under extreme pressure to institute immediate debris removal and disposal actions without the benefit of a well thought debris management strategy. Robert Swan: This presentation will use the Debris Management Cycle as the framework to identify universal debris removal and disposal issues, and why it is extremely important to have a Debris Management Plan in place before a disaster happens. Robert Swan: The Debris Management Cycle is a means to visually tie together the variety of debris issues for those responsible for planning and executing debris clean up following a major disaster. Robert Swan: Please take a moment to view the Debris Management Cycle. Note that the cycle consists of four identifiable phases: NORMAL OPERATIONS; INCREASED READINESS; RESPONSE, and RECOVERY. Robert Swan: Amy Slide 1 please Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vlibrary/swan1.htm Robert Swan: Specific debris issues can be identified with each phase. By using this model, emergency planners will be able to identify potential issues before they happen and plan accordingly. Experience has shown that regardless of the type or magnitude of the debris-generating event, the issues identified in the Debris Management Cycle will occur. Robert Swan: NORMAL OPERATIONS PHASE Robert Swan: Normal Operations is defined as the period of time before a major debris- generating event occurs. PLANNING ISSUES are addressed during this phase Robert Swan: The most important planning issue is the development of a well thought-out Debris Management Plan that will become the keystone to any debris clean up operation. Robert Swan: The Debris Management Plan should be locally developed with external participation to: 1)encourage a diversity of strategic innovations 2)promote active cooperation 3)develop points of view based on local experience, capabilities, and limitations and 4) promote information transfer Robert Swan: The Debris Management Plan should address the MISSION, ORGANIZATION,CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, ACTIONS AND APPENDICES. Take a minute to review the items on the slide. Robert Swan: Amy SLIDE 2 please Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vlibrary/swan2.htm Robert Swan: In case you did not see the slide, the key paragraphs are: Robert Swan: MISSION: How debris management activities will be facilitated and coordinated. Robert Swan: ORGANIZATION: Who has the overall responsibility for managing the debris cleanup. Robert Swan: CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS: Details how those responsible will manage and coordinate the debris removal and disposal operation. Robert Swan: RESPONSIBILITIES: Identifies specific responsibilities for each department involved in the clean up operation. Robert Swan: ACTIONS: Details such as: waiver procedures, review of local ordinances, environmental regulations, priorities, and mutual aid agreements. Robert Swan: APPENDICES: Copies of maps showing locations of landfills, temporary storage sites, critical facilities, etc. Robert Swan: INCREASED READINESS PHASE Robert Swan: INCREASED READINESS is defined as the anticipation of an event, such as a hurricane or flood. Ibis is the time when existing plans are reviewed and updated, if required. DEBRIS STAFFING ISSUES are addressed during this phase. The following slide identifies specific staff functions. Robert Swan: Amy SLIDE 3 please. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vlibrary/swan3.htm Robert Swan: Key personnel should be alerted and deployed either before or immediately after the disaster and should remain part of the debris staff throughout the disaster cleanup to maintain continuity during the debris removal and disposal operations. Robert Swan: Some debris generating events, such as earthquakes and tornadoes will have little or no response time. Therefore, many of the actions will rollover into the Response Phase. Robert Swan: The debris management staff should coordinate all debris removal and disposal activities. They should establish contact with all local, State, and Federal agencies responsible for disaster response and recovery operations. Robert Swan: Finally, the public information officer should inform the public in understandable terms the magnitude of the disaster and the efforts being taken to expedite debris removal and disposal actions. Robert Swan: RESPONSE PHASE Robert Swan: The RESPONSE PHASE follows the debris-generating event. It includes actions necessary to implement the Debris Management Plan and begin tasks necessary to protect lives and property in the affected community. DEBRIS REMOVAL ISSUES are addressed during this phase Robert Swan: Debris is normally cleared from the traveled portion of the main roads allowing access to key facilities and to expedite the movement of emergency vehicles. If the event exceeds the capabilities of the local Department of Public Works and/or Department of Solid Waste Management, actions should be taken to obtain additional equipment and manpower through mutual aid agreements and/or contracting. Robert Swan: These actions will be expedited if mutual aid agreements are in place and sample scopes of work for equipment rental contracts are in draft form within the Debris Management Plan. Robert Swan: Debris estimating becomes a major issue during the response phase. Estimates of the amount and types of debris is critical in determining if it can be removed by local assets and if temporary debris storage and reduction sites will be needed. The following formulas may assist in arriving at uniform debris estimates: Robert Swan: One story building: L'x W' x H' divided by 27 = _____Cubic Yards x 0.33 =____Cubic Yards. The 0.33 takes into consideration the air space within the building. A debris pile is computed the same, but without the 0.33 multiplier. Robert Swan: RECOVERY PHASE Robert Swan: The RECOVERY PHASE may last from a few weeks to many months depending on the magnitude of the debris-generating event. DEBRIS DISPOSAL ISSUES are addressed during this phase Robert Swan: This phase represents the actual removal and disposal actions needed to bring the community back to pre-disaster condition. This phase will represent the most challenges to the Debris Management staff, especially if they have failed to consider the following disposal issues: 1) Location and capacity of existing public and private landfills, 2) Location and capacity of potential temporary storage sites. 3) Volume reduction methods: Burning, Grinding, Recycling. Robert Swan: All debris removal issues will hinge on where and how the debris will be disposed of. Debris can be moved faster than it can be processed at local landfills. Therefore, many communities identify temporary debris storage and reduction (TDSR)sites. Debris is moved to the TDSR site and subject to the various volume reduction techniques available. Debris can be burnt, ground into mulch, or recycled. Robert Swan: Clean woody debris can be burnt and the resulting ash used as a soil additive. Air-curtain pit burners can provide a high rate of burn while meeting clean-air requirements. Volume can be reduced by approximately 90%. Robert Swan: Large tub grinders and smaller wood chippers are suitable for reducing clean woody debris if burning is restricted. Reduction will still result in approximately 25% of the material remaining in the form of mulch. Arrangements must be made to dispose of the resulting mulch, such as for agricultural use, ornamental, cattle bedding, fuel, etc. Robert Swan: Recycling of soil, construction materials, and metals should be considered if there is a market for such recycled items. Disposal costs can be offset if there is an economic market in existence. Robert Swan: CONCLUSION. The Debris Management Cycle provides the debris manager with a framework that identifies when significant debris removal and disposal issues might surface. By knowing when these issues might occur the debris manager will be a position to respond to the pressures from both government officials and the public. Robert Swan: Being prepared for the next debris-generating event will reduce the rising costs associated with debris clean up. Having a Debris Management Plan on the shelf is the best insurance policy any community can have to insure that their community and fellow citizens can recover as quickly as possible. Robert Swan: DEWBERRY & DAVIS is prepared to assist communities and private industry in preparing Debris Management Plans and/or providing Debris Management Training. Thank you. Amy Sebring: Thank you for the overview Bob. Audience please enter a question mark (?) to indicate you wish to be recognized, go ahead and compose your comment or question, but wait for recognition before hitting the enter key or clicking on Send. Amy Sebring: We will now take your questions or comments. Jeff Hartle: ? Amy Sebring: Jeff please. Jeff Hartle: Are there formulas available to predict the # of cubic yards of debris by # of housing units or by # of blocks in a community? Jeff Hartle: Can you predict by type of disaster, e.g. flood, hurricane, tornado, etc? Robert Swan: We have developed a GIS model that uses the Corps of Engineer estimating model that can predict block data Robert Swan: Our best estimating is for hurricanes... Avagene Moore: ? Robert Swan: however, we have data that can be equated to floods and tornadoes Rick Tobin2: ? Amy Sebring: Avagene please. Avagene Moore: Are a lot of communities doing this type of planning now? Or is it one of those things that disaster experience drives? Robert Swan: We would like to see more communities do prior planning Robert Swan: We have initiated information training through project impact Amy Sebring: Rick Tobin please. Robert Swan: We are also getting ready to .. Jeff Hartle: ? follow-up Robert Swan: develop a plan for Harris County , TX as a subconsultant Amy Sebring: Rick please? Rick Tobin: What about mixed debris fields, like avalanches? Does the model address that (snow removal)? Robert Swan: No.... Terry Storer: ? Robert Swan: I think that an avalanche would be handled like a landslide Robert Swan: I would like to direct your attention to the format of the debris management plan.... Robert Swan: The plan becomes a coordinating document. .. Robert Swan: There are many departments and agencies involved with debris cleanup than most people know Jon Kavanagh: ! Robert Swan: Unfortunately, they show up after the event Amy Sebring: Ok, Jeff please. Jeff Hartle: Is the Corps of Engineers' estimating model available to planners...maybe even on the web? Robert Swan: Yes. you can get a copy by e-mailing me.. Robert Swan: It is not automated Jeff Hartle: Great! Thanks! Robert Swan: Information is also available from state training officers in the Debris Management Course Amy Sebring: Robert, would you go ahead and put up your email address please? David Crews: ? Robert Swan: bswan@dewberry.com Amy Sebring: Ok, Terry please Terry Storer: How "deep" should your plan go ? Would you address the need to handle the bio/chem contaminated debris as a primary function or would it be addressed on a "freelance" basis? Robert Swan: We focus on household hazardous waste... Robert Swan: however, if there is a threat from more dangerous chemicals, then that should be.... Robert Swan: coordinated with EPA, Amy Sebring: Jon K please. Jon Kavanagh: I recently completed this program, and it is amazing how we don't typically think about having to deal with debris. It is also important that the DPW be involved with EM. Communication between *all* agencies within the city is essential! Robert Swan: That is correct... Jon Kavanagh: Having pre-arranged contracts is essential, because unless you're LA and you get a small incident, your in-house crews won't be able to handle too much... Robert Swan: Agree Robert Swan: Pre-positioned contracts allow you to have control over the contractors and plan... Robert Swan: before the event.... Robert Swan: Also keeps costs under control Robert Swan: We are available to present more detailed training to anyone interested Terry Storer: ? Amy Sebring: Ok, David Crews next please. David Crews: Have you done planning relating to debris problems caused by earthquakes? Robert Swan: We discuss the problem that came out of the Northridge earthquake during the course Robert Swan: There is a HAZUS model that will help predict... Robert Swan: debris from an earthquake Amy Sebring: Terry next please. Terry Storer: Comment: Your plan should not minimize the long-term effects of the debris storage. We are still being called to fires at our yard waste disposal area. Robert Swan: You are concerned with Construction and Demolition materials and should be able to... Robert Swan: consider recycling options Robert Swan: What type of debris? Robert Swan: Debris should be kept at a temporary site only for volume reduction purposes Amy Sebring: ? Amy Sebring: Have you seen the emphasis on recycling some of these materials increase over the years ... Amy Sebring: it seems to make good sense to me. Robert Swan: Yes. Landfill space is critical. Therefore, volume reduction is critical Jeff Hartle: ? Amy Sebring: Jeff please. Rick Tobin: ? Robert Swan: As I said earlier, use burning, grinding, and recycling to reduce volume Jeff Hartle: Last year at IAEM, you discussed separation of materials. How should they be separated? Isabel McCurdy: ? Robert Swan: Debris should be separated at the curb.... Robert Swan: woody debris, metals, white goods... Robert Swan: Garbage should not enter the debris stream Amy Sebring: white goods=? Robert Swan: Refrigerators, stoves, Amy Sebring: ah, thank you Robert Swan: Contractors should be monitored to ensure they ... Robert Swan: pick up materials and not to mix them Amy Sebring: And household hazardous waste handled separately I assume? Robert Swan: yes. ... Robert Swan: there should be a separate contract for HHW Amy Sebring: Rick Tobin please. Rick Tobin: Does the model consider livestock carcasses as part of the debris removal and handling operations? It is finally being recognized as a major impact in rural communities (like recently in Hurricane Floyd). Chris Buckner: Bob, Don't forget about CFC capture from appliances Robert Swan: No. This is an area that is not normally considered ... Robert Swan: as debris. North Carolina was a special case Robert Swan: Dept of Agriculture gets involved, normally not FEMA Amy Sebring: or Health Dept? Robert Swan: yes Amy Sebring: Isabel please. Isabel McCurdy: Where can one obtain the HAZUS model? Amy Sebring: We have done a session on this Isabel ... Amy Sebring: I will send you info. Robert Swan: I think it is available from FEMA. Check their web site Amy Sebring: Other questions, comments for Bob? Robert Swan: send me info also Amy Sebring: We have done a pre-positioned contract for debris removal here in Corpus Christi .... Amy Sebring: I believe it was activated for Hurricane Bret .. Amy Sebring: since I was not here, I am not sure how it went, but I hope to find out/1 Amy Sebring: Bob, it seems that FEMA is fairly generous ... Amy Sebring: with emergency declarations to cover debris removal ... Amy Sebring: even at 100%? Amy Sebring: Even if an area does not qualify for other forms of assistance., Robert Swan: Debris will probably not be at 100% anymore. More like 25/75 Robert Swan: Remember, FEMA only reimburses for reasonable costs associated with the Public.... Robert Swan: Assistance Program. Robert Swan: We are involved with extensive debris training of FEMA.. Robert Swan: staff now. Jeff Hartle: ? Amy Sebring: Jeff please. Robert Swan: will be in Harrisburg this week end and Fl next week Jeff Hartle: If the community has no public trash collection, how do you convince local gov't to be responsible for debris? Robert Swan: Public pressure will require the community to obtain contractors Jeff Hartle: I remember driving through coastal SC 3 years after Hugo and still seeing huge piles of debris! Robert Swan: Sometimes, FEMA will give the COE a mission assignment to remove debris;... Robert Swan: They will then obtain local or national contractors to remove the debris. The ... Robert Swan: cost share will still apply Amy Sebring: ? Amy Sebring: Bob, have you seen examples where a good PIO made a difference in ... Amy Sebring: obtaining public cooperation? Robert Swan: It is extremely important... Merrilee White: ? Robert Swan: to have a PIO on the staff. Amy Sebring: Merrilee please. Robert Swan: Information on pick up schedules, dump sites, etc must be provided to the public Merrilee White: Do you feel that large numbers of volunteers are a help or a hindrance? Robert Swan: If planned for a great help, If not cause some delays Merrilee White: ? Amy Sebring: Merrilee please ... Amy Sebring: and then we will wrap it up. Cam King: sorry - have to leave - very interesting topic and info. Thanks Robert Merrilee White: Is there some way local volunteer centers can get involved in the planning of the use of vols.? Robert Swan: Need to contact the local emergency planners, Amy Sebring: That's a little off topic, although a good question for another session! Amy Sebring: We are just about out of time. Thank you very much Bob, and thank you audience for your participation. Please stand by while we go to Avagene for upcoming events. Avagene Moore: Thank you, Amy. Next Tuesday's Round Table will be conducted by EIIP Partner, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). Robert Swan: Volunteers have a place in debris removal Avagene Moore: Karen Franklin, GEMA State School Safety Coordinator, will present "Emergency Management in the School Setting -- Georgia Style." Avagene Moore: With so much talk and press about school safety and events that have occurred this past year, I believe you will find the GEMA session of great interest next Tuesday, November 9, 12 Noon EST. Robert Swan: They can assist by removing material from private property for elderly Avagene Moore: On Wednesday, November 10, 12 Noon Eastern, we have scheduled a session entitled "Impact of Emergencies and Disasters on the African-American Community." Avagene Moore: Kay Goss, CEM, Associate Director, FEMA Preparedness Directorate, and Dr. Oliver Jones, Professor of Political Science, Florida A & M University, will be our special guests. Please plan to participate in both sessions next week. Avagene Moore: That's all for now, Amy. Amy Sebring: Thanks Avagene. Pledge drive status: still at 81. Need your help in finishing this up.... Amy Sebring: see http://www.emforum.org/eiip/plege.htm for more info Amy Sebring: We will adjourn the session for now, but you are invited to remain for open discussion. You no longer need to use question marks.