Proper Debris Management

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DISASTER RECOVERY TODAY is published as a public service by Adjusters International, Inc. It is provided for general information and is not intended to replace professional insurance, legal and/or financial advice for specific cases.

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Sheila E. Salvatore

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Kevin Cahill has served as a Disaster Recovery Consultant for Adjusters International. He holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering.

2) State how salvage will be handled;
3) Specify how damage will be assessed and reimbursed;
4) Request estimated response time(s);
5) Denote the unit cost per ton or cubic yard;
6) Specify the disposal site(s);
7) Specify what insurance and bonding are required;
8) Ask for references — with contact information.

If There Is No Debris-Management Plan …

If a disaster strikes and there is no debris-management plan in place, an applicant has several options:

• Using force account labor (i.e., an applicant’s own employees) for the debris removal; however, only overtime labor is eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
• Utilizing a mutual aid agreement with the state or local governments. Each mutual aid agreement is different, consequently, FEMA funding will depend on the terms and conditions of the agreement.
• Hiring a contractor to perform debris removal. When a debris contractor is used, FEMAwill reimburse a percentage of the eligible cost as long as proper procurement procedures have been followed.
• Checking to see if the debris is the responsibility of a government agency. For example, removing debris from a Federal Highway Administration road is not eligible for FEMA funding and the United States Army Corps of Engineers might be responsible if the debris is in a navigable waterway.
• The state can make a formal request to FEMA asking that a federal agency be “Mission Assigned” to provide technical assistance and also perform debris removal. There are several requirements before a Mission Assignment will be made, including that “... the required disaster-related efforts exceed State and local resources.” 5 This option should be discussed very early on with FEMA and your disaster-recovery partners.

Conclusion

When a disaster strikes a community, it is almost certain that some form of debris will be generated and that its removal will be required. From the initial clearing of vegetative debris off roads to accommodate emergency vehicles, to the demolition of severely damaged private homes and other structures, having a well-thought-through debris-management plan can help ensure compliance with FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and, therefore, reimbursement for debris management and removal expenses.

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1 FEMA 325 Debris Management Guide , Page 43, Published 2007
2 FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.14, Page 2, Published 2007
3 FEMA 325 Debris Management Guide, Page 147, Published 2007
4 CFR 44 §13.36 5 FEMA 325 Debris Management Guide, Page 142, Published 2007