Environmental Considerations
After an event, DEP may issue a disaster-specific Emergency Final Order to waive or streamline various permitting requirements. This could include activities related to debris operations. The Emergency Final Order may be found on DEP’s website.
Debris Management Site Approval
Debris Management Sites can be utilized to temporarily stage debris prior to final disposition. At these sites, debris may be separated and reduced in order to lessen the amount for final disposal.
Prior to an event, a county, city or other entity can request an inspection of a proposed site by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Solid Waste Division. A DEP regional coordinator will conduct a site visit and issue a pre-approval. Prior to utilizing a pre-approved site, the entity will again need to contact DEP to activate the site.
If not pre-approved, an entity may contact the DEP Solid Waste Division prior to use to receive an approval for their site.
Debris Management sites are approved by DEP for a limited time as outlined in the approval letter. After use, the site must be restored and inspected by DEP to ensure full remediation and “close out” the site.
DEP approvals are necessary to show NEPA compliance and are necessary to receive any FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement for debris activities.
For more information see the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Hurricane Page.
Burn Authorizations
Before reducing debris through burning or incineration methods, a burn authorization must be obtained for each day that operations occur. Burn authorization information will be necessary for any burning conducted at a debris management site and is especially important in the case of federal reimbursement. For more information, contact the regional Florida Division of Forestry field office.
Final Disposal of Debris
Local entities must adhere to Florida’s solid waste regulations when completing their final disposal process. These regulations can be found at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
Failure to comply with disposal regulation may jeopardize federal funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
Updated:
March 26, 2010 11:36
