Pre-event planning & training
Pre-event planning starts with identifying the geographic features that need special treatment. Establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) where necessary ensures that all state, federal and federal-aid roads are accounted for and prioritized for initial clearing (the Push) and final debris removal.
Federal-aid roads deserve particular attention. Under PAPPG Version 5.0, disaster debris on public rights-of-way, including federal-aid roads, can be eligible for Public Assistance, so the state transportation department, the local agency and the contractor should agree in advance who clears which roads. These discussions should also cover drainage ditch work, hazardous tree work and other right-of-way issues. Areas of responsibility should be clearly defined and coordinated to avoid duplication of effort, interference or reimbursement problems.
Sector mapping
We produce maps that divide the recovery area into manageable sectors, using natural or clearly recognizable boundaries such as major roads. Maps give crews specific assignments and give the client clearly defined work areas to follow, so you can track first pass, second pass and so on, and quickly spot problem areas that need more crews. As the project progresses, maps of remaining debris locations reduce repeat trips through neighborhoods and keep production up.
Debris management sites
Temporary debris storage and reduction sites are identified, tested and prepared during pre-event planning. Sites should be centrally located where possible. Large sites are ideal, but sites as small as 4 to 7 acres, or smaller, can often handle the debris depending on the event and the overall strategy. For example, much smaller sites work when they serve as daytime transfer stations with debris hauled out at night.
Staging areas for equipment are coordinated at the same time.
Alternative disposal
With landfill space shrinking, every disposal option should be investigated. White goods can be recycled through scrap yards. Vegetative debris can be reused for wetland restoration, biofuel, landfill cover and ground cover, and ash from burning vegetative debris can be used to replenish farmland.
Ongoing support
Under a standby contract, our pre-event support can include site visits, participation in training exercises and ongoing information sharing.
Planning a standby debris contract?
Request our qualifications. A pre-positioned contract lets an agency activate with a Notice to Proceed when disaster strikes. How standby contracts work →