Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
3. Assist in assessing the types of wastes and debris generated by the disaster and identifying dangerous substances such as asbestos, mercury products, or chemicals and hazardous substances. 4. Help determine health risks and safety hazards. 5. Provide technical assistance and mitigation procedures concerning public health and safety. The EPA’s Incident Waste Decision Support Tool assists planners in accessing vital technical information, regulations, and guidance. The tool is designed to aid in addressing crucial disposal concerns, ensuring safe and efficient removal, transportation, treatment, and disposal of debris and waste materials. Eligible Debris Removal Activities To be eligible for funding from the public assistance program, debris must: be generated by a Presidentially declared disaster; be located within the designated disaster area; be the legal responsibility of an eligible Applicant to remove; and present an immediate threat to life, improved property, or public health and safety. Managing Waste During Disaster Events General: 1. Develop a comprehensive waste management plan before a disaster strikes, including procedures for handling various types of waste and debris. 2. Coordinate with STLT authorities to ensure compliance with regulations and to access resources and support. 3. Clearly communicate waste management guidelines to the public and provide resources for proper disposal. 4. Prioritize the safety of waste handlers by providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training. Hazardous Waste: 1. Segregate hazardous waste from non-hazardous disaster debris to avoid disposing of the combined waste as hazardous, which can be costly. 2. Monitor collected business waste to ensure it does not meet the definition of hazardous waste. 3. Ensure waste handlers understand the requirements for managing hazardous waste and have a plan for controlling it and diverting it from the debris stream. 4. Obtain necessary permits for sites receiving hazardous waste and separate and store hazardous waste according to its toxicity and explosive properties. Debris and Household Waste: 1. Call the facility contact before disposing of storm debris to ensure proper procedures are followed. 2. Separate storm debris by type, including construction and demolition materials, land clearing and inert debris, municipal solid waste, and white goods (major appliances). 3. Store storm debris only at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved sites to ensure reimbursement eligibility. Dead Livestock and Animals: 1. Properly dispose of dead animals and livestock to prevent disease and contamination of food and raw water sources. 2. Follow STLT regulations on carcass disposal, which typically involve burial. 3. Act quickly to remove and dispose of carcasses to minimize public health risks.
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