Recognizing the need for communities to perform efficient and timely cleanup of debris generated by natural disasters, H-GAC has developed the Disaster Debris Clearance and Removal Services program. Click here to download our brochure (PDF 104K).
By having pre-event debris hauler contracts in place, cleanup can be quicker and less costly. Procuring reputable and experienced firms can be challenging. H-GAC's Disaster Debris Clearance and Removal Services program has simplified the process and ensures access to a pool of "most qualified debris removal contractors." Download this PDF to view the Request for Proposals (PDF 332K).
H-GAC has handled all the procurement issues. The program can save you time and money associated with procurement process and can help maximizing eligible FEMA reimbursement. There are nine nationally recognized vendors to select. Download this PDF for detailed company information and contacts.
— AshBritt, Inc.
— Ceres Environmental Services, Inc.
— CrowderGulf
— D & J Enterprises, Inc.
— DRC Emergency Services, LLC
— Omni Pinnacle, LLC
— Phillips & Jordan, Inc.
— Storm Reconstruction Services, Inc.
— T.F.R. Enterprises, Inc. (TFR)
How does it work?
Download this document (PDF 54K) for more detailed information on the program and find out how to get started.
It is easy to enroll in the program, download and complete the End User Service Request Form (DOC 153K) and Standard Services Requested Checklist (DOC 94K). These forms will be provided to the pool of debris hauling vendors for detailed pricing.
For members of H-GAC, the Disaster Debris Clearance and Removal Services program is free, for non-members the administrative fee is $3,000. The service is available to local governments nation-wide.
Please contact us so that we can guide you through the process and learn more about the program.
Debris Monitoring Services - Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc.
Through HGACBUY membership, local governments can directly contract with Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. (BDR) for debris monitoring services. BDR has helped clients recover from every hurricane making landfall in the United States since 2004 as well as tornadoes, floods, snow and ice storms and other disasters. Download this PDF for company information. Members of HGACBUY can contact Betty Kamara, BDR Contract Administrator, bkamara@beckdr.com or (407) 803-5718 for more information.
Hurricane Ike - Storm Debris Guidance
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
TCEQ Storm Debris Guidance Materials
The TCEQ has developed a Storm Debris Guidance Manual. Download this PDF for clear guidance on options for managing and disposing debris from Hurricane Ike. For ongoing guidance efforts on response and cleanup after Hurricane Ike within the TCEQ, please go to: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/response/hurricane.html
TCEQ Debris Hotline
The TCEQ has established a debris hot line to assistance local governments with guidance: 1-800-687-7057
Hurricane Ike - Waiver Requests for Municipal Solid Waste Facilities
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
In an effort to expedite responses to requests for enforcement discretion or authorization to operate outside of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at municipal waste facilities, the TCEQ requests that you send an e-mail to John Sadlier and Kelly Cook:
John Sadlier
Deputy Director, Office of Compliance and Enforcement
jsadlier@tceq.state.tx.us
Kelly Cook
Homeland Security Coordinator
kcook@tceq.state.tx.us
The e-mail needs to contain the following information:
Contact Data: Name and Position of Requestor with contact information
Facility Details: Name, location (Address and County), permit number, and type of the MSW facility (ex: Type I; Type 4, transfer station, etc.)
Purpose of Request: Specifically describe what activity that enforcement discretion or temporary authorization is being requested for (outdoor burn, operating outside of normal hours, exceeding capacity, etc.). If burning is being requested, please identify who may be potentially effected and their approximate distance from the burn site.
Please provide enough information that it is clear what will be done, and how long it is anticipated that this activity will occur. In return, you will receive an e-mail from John Sadlier, with his signature block attached,documenting the TCEQ's decision on the request. Follow up phone calls from TCEQ staff may occur if the activity is unique or the information provided is unclear.
Hurricane Ike - Septic System Information
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Read more about Hurricane Ike activities at EPA: http://www.epa.gov/hurricane
Contacts
Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman
(214) 665-2200
r6press@epa.gov
Homeowners with septic systems need to take special precautions and actions in the aftermath of hurricanes. What follows is a "how to" concerning the steps homeowners should take to ensure a safe return to normal septic system operation. Septic systems should not be used immediately after floods. Drain fields will not work until underground water has receded. Septic lines may have broken during the flood.
If the ground area around your septic system is saturated, it is recommended that you do not pump the tank. Pumping the tank would be only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes. The best solution is to plug all drains in the basement and drastically reduce water use in the house. Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.
Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. Contact your health department for a list of septic system contractors who work in your area.
If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly.
Pump the septic system as soon as possible after the flood. Be sure to pump both the tank and lift station. This will remove silt and debris that may have washed into the system. Do not pump the tank during flooded or saturated drainfield conditions. At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes.
Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field's ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.
Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity. Be sure the septic tank's manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged. Check the vegetation over your septic tank and soil absorption field. Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover. Whenever the water table is high or your sewage system is threatened by flooding there is a risk that sewage will back up into your home. The only way to prevent this backup is to relieve pressure on the system by using it less.
Here are some suggestions offered by experts for homeowners whose septic systems were flooded:
Suggestion 1: Use common sense. If possible, don't use the system if the soil is saturated and flooded. The wastewater will not be treated and will become a source of pollution. Conserve water as much as possible while the system restores itself and the water table fails.
Suggestion 2: Prevent silt from entering septic systems that have pump chambers. When the pump chambers are flooded, silt has a tendency to settle in the chambers and will clog the drainfield if it is not removed.
Suggestion 3: Do not open the septic tank for pumping while the soil is still saturated. Mud and silt may enter the tank and end up in the drainfield. Furthermore, pumping out a tank that is in saturated soil may cause it to "pop out" of the ground. (Likewise, recently installed systems may "pop out" of the ground more readily than older systems because the soil has not had enough time to settle and compact.)
Suggestion 4: Do not dig into the tank or drainfield area while the soil is still wet or flooded. Try to avoid any work on or around the disposal field with heavy machinery while the soil is still wet. These activities will ruin the soil conductivity.
Flooding of the septic tank will have lifted the floating crust of fats and grease in the septic tank. Some of this scum may have floated and/or partially plugged the outlet tee. If the septic system backs up into the house check the tank first for outlet blockage. Clean up any floodwater in the house without dumping it into the sink or toilet and allow enough time for the water to recede. Floodwaters from the house that are passed through or pumped through the septic tank will cause higher flows through the system. This may cause solids to transfer from the septic tank to the drainfield and will cause clogging.
Locate any electrical or mechanical devices the system may have that could be flooded to avoid contact with them until they are dry and clean. Aerobic plants, upflow filters, trickling filters, and other media filters have a tendency to clog due to mud and sediment. These systems will need to be washed and raked.
(Source: US Environmental Protection Agency, News Release, September 18, 2008. This news release and others can be accessed on EPA's hurricane Ike web section: http://www.epa.gov/hurricane/ikenews.htm)
Hurricane Ike - Water Well Precautions and Actions
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Read more about Hurricane Ike activities at EPA: http://www.epa.gov/hurricane
Contacts
Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman
(214) 665-2200
r6press@epa.gov
Homeowners with water wells need to take special precautions and actions in the aftermath of hurricanes. What follows is a "how to" concerning the steps homeowners should take to ensure a safe return to water well operation. Because of the extensive flood area and the speed and direction of ground water flow, your well may not be a safe source of water for many months after the flood. The well can become contaminated with bacteria or other contaminants.
Waste water from malfunctioning septic tanks or chemicals seeping into the ground can contaminate the ground water even after the water was tested and found to be safe. It will be necessary to take long range precautions, including repeated testing, to protect the safety of drinking water.
Swiftly moving flood water can carry large debris that could loosen well hardware, dislodge well construction materials or distort casing. Coarse sediment in the flood waters could erode pump components. If the well is not tightly capped, sediment and flood water could enter the well and contaminate it. Wells that are more than 10 years old or less than 50 feet deep are likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage. Floods may cause some wells to collapse.
Also, after flood waters have receded and the pump and electrical system have dried, do not turn on the equipment until the wiring system has been checked by a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor. If the pump's control box was submerged during the flood all electrical components must be dry before electrical service can be restored. Get assistance in turning the pump on from a well or pump contractor.
All pumps and their electrical components can be damaged by sediment and flood water. The pump including the valves and gears will need to be cleaned of silt and sand. If pumps are not cleaned and properly lubricated they can burn out. Get assistance from a well or pump contractor who will be able to clean, repair or maintain different types of pumps.
Turning on the pump poses danger of electrical shock and damage to your well or pump if they have been flooded. Also, do not wash with well water. People drinking or washing with water from a private well that has been flooded will risk getting sick.
Drilled, driven or bored wells are best disinfected by a well or pump contractor, because it is difficult for the private owner to thoroughly disinfect these wells.
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice on disinfecting your well. The suggestions below are intended to supplement food precautions issued by state and local health authorities.
The EPA offers the following instructions for the emergency disinfection of wells that have been flooded.
First, before disinfecting the well: Check the condition of your well. Make sure there is no exposed or damaged wiring. If you notice any damage, call a professional before the disinfection process. Materials needed are one gallon of non-scented household liquid bleach, rubber gloves, eye protection, old clothes and a funnel.
Follow these 9 Steps:
Step 1: If your water is muddy or cloudy, run the water from an outside spigot with a hose attached until the water becomes clear and free of sediments.
Step 2: Determine what type of well you have and how to pour the bleach into the well. Some wells have a sanitary seal with either an air vent or a plug that can be removed. If it is a bored or dug well, the entire cover can be lifted off to provide a space for pouring the bleach into the well.
Step 3: Take the gallon of bleach and funnel (if needed) and carefully pour the bleach down into the well casing.
Step 4: After the bleach has been added, run water from an outside hose into the well casing until you smell chlorine coming from the hose. Then turn off the outside hose.
Step 5: Turn on all cold water faucets, inside and outside of house, until the chlorine odor is detected in each faucet, then shut them all off. If you have a water treatment system, switch it to bypass before turning on the indoor faucets.
Step 6: Wait 6 to 24 hours before turning the faucets back on. It is important not to drink, cook, bathe or wash with this water during the time period - it contains high amounts of chlorine.
Step 7: Once the waiting period is up, turn on an outside spigot with hose attached and run the water into a safe area where it will not disturb plants, lakes, streams or septic tanks. Run the water until there is no longer a chlorine odor. Turn the water off.
Step 8: The system should now be disinfected, and you can now use the water.
Step 9: Have your water tested for bacteria 7 to 10 days after disinfection.
Contact your local health department to have well water sampled and tested for contamination. Or, call your state laboratory certification officer to find a certified lab near you. You can get this number from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline:
1-800-426-4791.
If the health department issues sterile bottles for the private well owner to collect water samples, follow all instructions for the use of these bottles. After the pump is back in operation, the health department should sample and test the water at regular intervals.
If in doubt about the well water supply, follow health department drinking and bathing advisories. Remember that there is a danger of electrical shock from any electrical device that has been flooded; consult a certified electrician. Rubber boots and gloves are not adequate protection from electric shock.
Well disinfection will not provide protection from pesticides, heavy metals and other types of non-biological contamination. If such contamination is suspected, due to the nearness of these contaminant sources, special treatment is required.
Information on home water treatment units is available from EPA by phone: 1-800-426-4791 or the U.S. EPA's hurricane website: http://www.epa.gov/region6/disaster/pdf/private_wells.pdf
If you observe chemical containers (including barrels and drums) that have moved to your property, call your state or county health department or the Superfund Hotline: 1-800-424-9346
Well owners may have information about the construction or testing of their well and this information will be helpful to the health department in determining water quality conditions.
(Source: US Environmental Protection Agency, News Release, September 18, 2008. This news release and others can be accessed on EPA's hurricane Ike web section: http://www.epa.gov/hurricane/ikenews.htm)
Assistance for Livestock Carcass Disposal Following Hurricane Ike
US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contacts
Catherine Nash
(254) 742-9915
catherine.nash@tx.usda.gov
Lori Valadez
(254) 742-9811
lori.valadez@tx.usda.gov
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is coordinating livestock carcass disposal efforts following Hurricane Ike. NRCS is offering financial assistance to offset the cost of disposal and identifying appropriate burial sites based on soil type. “In several storm-ravaged counties in East Texas, large numbers of cattle, horses and poultry caught in Hurricane Ike died,” said Don Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for Texas. “We are working with soil and water conservation districts, local county governments and the Texas Animal Health Commission to properly dispose of carcasses to protect public health and safety.”
Livestock producers may report dead livestock to the NRCS office in Bryan at 979-846-0757, ext. 3. Callers will be asked to provide the location, species of animal, approximate number, and if, possible, the GPS coordinates of the site. Financial assistance and proper disposal site identification is being offered to cattle owners who have the means to dispose of livestock carcasses on their own property. For those individuals who had livestock carcasses wash onto their property and do not have the means to dispose of carcasses properly, NRCS may assist with removal, transport, and disposal of the carcasses. NRCS is also offering the same financial and technical assistance to poultry producers who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Ike. For application forms and livestock disposal specifications, contact the NRCS office in Bryan at (979) 846-0757, ext. 3 or visit the NRCS Texas website at: www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/ike_assist.html
Livestock producers can also contact the USDA Farm Service Agency about the Livestock Indemnity Program, which provides partial reimbursement to producers who suffer livestock losses from natural disasters. For information, contact the Texas Farm Service Agency at 1-866-680-6069.
(Source: Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWB) September 17, 2008 Press Release. Please access the Press Release here.)