With surface temperatures higher than usual across the Atlantic Ocean, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 12 to 17 named storms this hurricane season. Of these named storms, several are expected to become hurricanes that could be classified category 3 or higher. The big unknown is where these hurricanes will strike.
By Will Flower
Hurricane season is here, and the waste industry needs to be ready for the next big storm. Waste management companies and municipalities are encouraged to work together to develop storm debris management plans that identify collection and transportation assets and the locations of both temporary storage/transfer sites and permanent disposal sites for the management of storm debris following a hurricane or significant weather event.
Managing the massive amounts of storm debris and landscape waste that are generated in the wake of the storm is a Herculean task that will strain budgets and resources due to the costly and prolonged clean up. Over time, trees naturally grow, resulting in a larger and more mature tree canopy that can create large amounts of storm debris. Collecting, transporting, and disposing of all this waste will be a daunting task.
Timely Clean Up
A variety of wastes will be generated from storm events and a management plan should address what types of wastes will be accepted at various locations. The following are recommendations to help ensure timely clean ups:
1. All municipalities should develop or update their storm debris management plans.
- Plans should identify the locations of both temporary storage/transfer sites and permanent disposal sites.
- Various types of wastes will be generated during a storm event including landscape waste, residential waste, construction waste, household hazard waste, flood waste marine debris, etc. Management plans should address what types of waste will be accepted at each location.
- Plans should be in place for the transportation and disposal of storm debris.
2. Municipalities must work together.
- Although there are numerous municipalities that normally operate independently, coordination among municipalities will allow multiple municipalities to use temporary debris management locations and would likely improve the cleanup process.
- Municipalities should maintain open communication regarding their storm debris management plans, possibly with an annual meeting to share ideas and attempt to address previous challenges that were encountered following a significant storm event.
3. Be prepared.
- Use checklists (see Storm Preparedness Reminders sidebar) as reference tools to help prepare once a storm is forecasted to strike.
Conducting a Needs Assessment
Municipalities face considerable challenges in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Conducting a needs assessment and planning will help to ensure a proper response as haulers help communities clean up following a major storm. | WA
Checklist: Storm Preparedness Reminders
Below are some of the more critical aspects of operations when a storm threatens your area:
- MONITOR THE STORM – Forecasting has improved and the National Hurricane Center is an excellent resource to track the probable path and the strength of hurricanes.
- FUEL – Contact suppliers to confirm supply and delivery options before/during/after the storm. Evaluate fuel consumption and top off all trucks and storage tanks accordingly.
- POWER – Check back up power system/generator if equipped. Use a licensed electrician to ensure the system is properly set up. Consider renting/leasing a generator if necessary and confirm availability. A small generator may be necessary to power essential fuel pumps.
- DISPOSAL SITES – Confirm hours and conditions of operation at transfer stations and disposal facilities. Be mindful some may close if there are sustained winds of 40 mph. Establish a means of communication to keep up-to-date on operational status. Develop plan for extended storage of storm debris and waste onsite to minimize fire hazards.
- LOCAL AUTHORITIES – Coordinate with local authorities in the event a state of emergency is declared. The priority is often to get solid waste and recycling routes back out as soon as possible.
- EMPLOYEES – Identify essential and non-essential personnel to determine who needs to come to work and who can stay home or work remotely. Establish a communication plan or call-in number for employees to call to stay up-to-date on work status. Update employee addresses and phone numbers. Establish criteria to close/suspend operations (for example, when major roads are flooded and when winds are in excess of 40 mph).
- CUSTOMERS – If your municipality provides collection services, notify key/sensitive customers of storm response plan and establish means of communication to keep up- to-date.
- FACILITY – Evaluate facilities and storage areas to identify areas vulnerable to wind and flooding. Secure/relocate equipment that may be blown or damaged by the wind or falling debris. Relocate trucks and equipment in low areas where flooding is possible. Ensure storm drains are free of debris and working properly.
- SUPPLIES – Check inventory on essential consumables and stock up as necessary including batteries, PPE, water, snacks, etc. Fully charge phones and radios.
Will Flower is the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems.
Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected].
*Article originally appeared in the July issue of Waste Advantage Magazine.