Disaster Debris Response

The Push

The “Push” is a central part of our debris mobilization. After a disaster, the top priority is clearing primary transportation routes, including roads to health care facilities. We clear at least one lane on every arterial, major and secondary road as quickly as possible, cutting, moving and pushing debris from the routes identified and directed by the client. Emergency roadway clearance opens access for emergency vehicles, law enforcement, restoration of critical services and damage assessment of public facilities and utilities.

Together with the client’s emergency response team, Omni Construction develops pre-event agreements with local equipment contractors so local resources supplement our own. Equipment and personnel assemble at pre-determined rally points established by the client with our guidance.

Right-of-way (ROW) debris removal

Removing debris from public rights-of-way is the heart of disaster recovery. The type and size of the event and the makeup of the debris stream determine the number and mix of resources we deploy. Arriving equipment goes to a certification point before assignment, where photographs and detailed information on each vehicle are recorded in the Equipment/Truck Certification Log.

A client representative supervises the process and approves each entry. Approved equipment receives a tamper-resistant Omni Construction placard showing its assigned number and, where applicable, its measured volume capacity. A typical crew includes a loader and operator, a skid-steer and operator, a traffic control team, a saw hand, and enough trucks and drivers to keep the crew working. Crew makeup varies with the debris, local traffic patterns and truck turnaround times.

Temporary Debris Storage and Reduction (TDSR) / Debris Management Sites

Locating and managing TDSR sites is one of the largest tasks in post-disaster cleanup. We evaluate topography and soil conditions to determine the best layout, and can operate sites seven days a week when the mission requires it. For each site, Omni Construction provides a Site Management Plan covering:

• Site access
• Safety
• Site preparation and grading
• Debris segregation
• Traffic control procedures

After use, each TDSR site is cleared of all material and restored to its previous condition and use. Mixed debris, construction and demolition debris and residue go to approved landfills. Inspectors may monitor closeout to confirm compliance with the contract and with local, state and federal environmental requirements.

We follow federal, state and local regulations for trucks, equipment and site management. All loading complies with Department of Transportation rules, including weight limits and covered loads. Hauling trucks are mechanically loaded and able to dump without help from other equipment, with tailgates that contain debris in transport. This matters for reimbursement: FEMA credits hand-loaded vegetative loads at 50% of observed capacity and trucks without solid tailgates at no more than 85% of certified capacity.

Waterway debris removal

Waterway debris removal falls into two types: shallow water (three feet or less), which usually requires smaller specialized barges to maneuver in tight waterways, and deeper water (more than three feet). Our assessment team surveys affected areas by vehicle, on foot, by vessel or by air. Debris extracted from the waterway is loaded onto a transport barge and moved to a designated loading point, where land-based equipment loads trucks that haul it to an approved site.

• Vegetative
• C&D
• Vehicles
• Vessels

Right-of-entry (ROE) / private property debris removal (PPDR)

Debris on private property is normally the owner’s responsibility. In limited circumstances, when debris is so widespread that it threatens public health and safety or the community’s economic recovery, FEMA may find private property debris removal (PPDR) eligible in designated areas. The applicant must notify FEMA and document its legal authority, rights-of-entry, agreements holding the federal government harmless, permits and environmental compliance. Omni Construction removes debris and demolishes disaster-damaged structures on private property only when the applicant authorizes the work and provides the rights-of-entry.