FEMA Provides $3.3 Million for Hazardous Material Removal
Release Date: August 15, 2006
Release Number: 1650-050
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ALBANY, N. Y. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has funded a $3.3 million hazardous materials cleanup by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA is coordinating the retrieval of hazardous materials left behind by the late-June floods with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
To date, nearly 50,000 containers of household hazardous waste and other large containers of hazardous materials have been collected from flood-impacted areas.
“The identification and removal of hazardous materials is a crucial part of the recovery effort,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson of FEMA. “This is a high priority effort that began in early July and will continue through September 9, 2006,” she added.
Hazardous materials include household wastes such as batteries, pesticides, solvents, cleaning supplies and other materials, and commercial chemicals and waste materials that were displaced during the flooding. One of the most easily recognized types of hazardous material is an on-land or in-water “orphan” tank or container of unknown chemicals. Nearly 70% of identified “orphan” containers have been recovered so far.
The potential hazard areas are identified by EPA and New York State through aerial, ground and waterside reconnaissance as well as calls from local officials and the public. Teams assess the materials and then initiate the removal, identify the sites, and initiate identification, segregation, and disposal of hazardous materials that are commingled with other debris. Recovered items include drums, tanks, propane cylinders, and other containers of hazardous waste.
Hazardous material drop-off sites are another important element of the cleanup effort, noted State Coordinating Officer John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office. “Citizen involvement has played a key role,” Gibb said. “By helping identify potential hazards and by taking hazardous materials to the drop-off points, people throughout the flood-damaged areas have helped speed the cleanup.”
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Aug-2006 13:23:48