Debris Removal 

Release Date: May 13, 2002
Release Number: 1409-11

» More Information on Maryland Tornado

Waldorf, MD -- Recovery officials called today for a total community effort to remove tornado debris from damaged areas and suggested ways businesses, homeowners, farmers and governments may speed this process.

State Coordinating Officer Donald L. Keldsen of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) says, "Speedy debris removal speeds recovery for all. The state, federal and local governments are concentrating considerable resources to accomplish this task."

Keldsen estimates the tornado may have created up to 13,000 tons of debris. He said the Maryland Department of Transportation - State Highway Administration has tasked about a quarter of its equipment and personnel to debris removal.

Federal Coordinating Officer Tom Davies of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that he had extended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers debris management contract for another four weeks.

"Debris removal and recovery go hand in hand," Davies said, "and we are moving as expeditiously as possible to assist state and local governments remove debris within the limits of our programs."

Government alone can't do it all, however. Residents need to help by moving debris to the public right of way because government's reach does not extend on to private property.

There is help available to individuals, farmers, businesses and governments for debris removal.

For individuals, FEMA may provide funds to remove debris that prevents safe access to

the home. Also, a low interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan may be used for debris removal. To register use FEMA's toll free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); (TTY: 1-800-462-7585).

For businesses, debris removal may be an eligible category under an SBA low-interest disaster loan.

For farmers: FEMA may provide funds to remove debris preventing safe access to the home; an SBA low-interest disaster loan may be available for the farmer's home and contents, including debris removal; and The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) may provide an emergency loan, if a conventional loan is not available, and some of it may be used for debris removal.

For governments (county, state, local and certain nonprofits), FEMA provides 75 percent of the costs of overtime, equipment and contract costs for debris removal from public property such as roads, streets and publicly owned facilities. In some cases, debris may be removed from private property if it is a public health and safety hazard and the work in performed by an eligible applicant.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 11:14:21