Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Pro Tips Must Know Pre-Disaster Wastewater Preparedness 1. Maintain a comprehensive list of wastewater treatment plants.
2. Consider Recreational Vehicle (RV) parks as alternative treatment sites. 3. Develop and maintain emergency plans for alternative treatment sites. 4. Keep an updated contact list of septage haulers and portable toilet companies.
5. Establish a maintenance schedule for contact lists. 6. Understand your community’s wastewater operations.
7. Identify unique wastewater vulnerabilities in your community. 8. Invest in preparedness and build wastewater system resiliency. 9. Stock service vehicles with equipment and supplies. Minimum Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Goggles to protect eyes from splashes of human waste or sewage Protective face mask or splash-proof face shield to protect nose and mouth from human waste or sewage splashes
Liquid-repellent coveralls to keep human waste or sewage off clothing Waterproof gloves to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage Rubber boots to avoid exposure to human waste or sewage Alternative Means of Treating Wastewater 1. Estimate wastewater volume 2. Determine the number of fixtures needed 3. Consider the population served 4. Ensure adequate service frequency 5. Coordinate location for holding device(s) Holding Containers
If a natural disaster significantly damages a community’s wastewater system, a thorough assessment must be conducted to determine the extent of the damage and the estimated time required for repairs. If the evaluation reveals that the repairs will take longer than the allotted time for reoccupation, it is crucial to implement alternative means of liquid waste disposal to maintain public health and sanitation standards. When normal waste collection systems are inoperable, temporary solutions can be employed to collect and store waste. These solutions include the use of the following: Grouped portable toilets Waste bladders Waste tanks However, while these alternative devices may be readily available, they must be serviced daily to prevent
the accumulation of waste and potential health hazards. Septage and Sewage Disposal Options Disposal in a sewage treatment plant Temporary storage in a tank (holding tank) Lime stabilization with land application
Drying beds Composting Landfill burial Transporting out of disaster-affected area
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