Picking Up Sticks Part 2: Specialized Debris

by Ronald C. Knepper, PBS&J, Emergency Management Division

17 November 2010

“Picking up sticks” might be the main job following a disaster, but it is not the only hazard that needs to be addressed.

“Picking up sticks” might be the main job following a disaster, but it is not the only hazard that needs to be addressed. Following a disaster event, you will find contractors picking up the trees, limbs and other piled debris from in front of people’s homes for disposal. This debris makes up the majority of what is left after many disasters. If you look closely, you will also find specialized crews and contractors making their rounds through the neighborhoods. These specialized crews are making sure that once the “sticks” are picked up, the remaining hazards to the public are also removed. This specialized debris requires much more work for removal and disposal. Since it requires more work, it also usually comes at a much higher cost. In order to ensure public funds are being spent properly for this high cost work, there is a much more involved process that must be followed.

Types of Specialized Debris

When you look around after most disasters, the piles of debris are what people notice. If you look down, you will also see that there are often many tree stumps that remain. While they might be unsightly, they can also represent a real hazard to cars and people walking. Depending on where a stump is located and its condition, removal might be required. After you have looked down, you simply need to look up to find the other common hazard. Even if a tree did not fall over, it can still represent a very dangerous hazard to the public. Large hanging limbs, know as Hangers, have been known to fall from great heights, severely injuring or even killing a person below. Leaning trees, known as Leaners, are not uncommon after many disaster types as well. These can be even more deadly crashing into homes, knocking down power lines or falling into roads. It can just take a strong wind to give them the push to become deadly.

Some communities might also have pre-existing rules that govern what is allowed to remain in a Right of Way (ROW) area and how hazards are to be treated. Most declared disasters are governed by the rules that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has in place if they will be responsible for reimbursement. If a community’s existing rules fall outside of FEMA’s standards, the community’s rules may still be used in some instances. In either case, rules for the identification, validation and removal must be followed and documented for any Leaner Hanger Stump (LHS) debris.

Stump Debris

Stumps are a part of almost every debris-generating disaster. If major tree damage occurs, there is almost always a stump left. Not all stumps are a hazard though. Generally, stumps in a public ROW or on maintained public property need to be addressed in some manner. While general debris pickup is an array of complex rules, stump debris is even more involved. Stump debris costs are based on the size of the stump being removed. As stumps get larger, more expensive equipment is needed and more time is involved.

PBS&J

A properly marked Right of Way stump in Orange County Florida following Hurricane Jeanne in 2004.

Before any removal is completed, a stump must first be examined. FEMA only considers a stump for removal if a certain percentage of the root structure is out of the ground, such as a tree that tipped over. If there is not enough root exposed, the stump should simply be cut down to a level determined to be safe. If enough is exposed, the contractor needs to check for any potential utilities that may be in the area. They then will bring in equipment to uproot the stump and load it onto a truck or flatbed depending on the size.

Once the stump is removed, a hole remains. A large stump can create an extremely large hole. Any hole represents a potential safety issue. The contractor is required to bring in clean dirt to fill in any voids from the removal. The stump is then brought to the disposal site where it is handled just as any other vegetative debris.

Leaners and Hangers Debris

The other main type of specialized debris is referred to as Leaners and Hangers. This is actually two separate items but they are often handled at the same time by a specialized contractor. Leaners are trees leaning more than a specified amount and represent a potential hazard if they were to fall over completely. Hangers are standing trees that have one or more limbs broken but still hanging in the tree, which represent a potential hazard if they were to fall from the tree. Just like stumps, leaners and hangers require more work than basic debris and have a higher cost associated with their cleanup.

PBS&J

Leaning Tree in Norfolk, VA following the Nor’easter in 2009.

A leaning tree must be cut down. Cutting a standing tree requires special skills to ensure the safety of the crew and no damage when it comes down. Often, complete tree removal also requires specialized equipment when structures are present. Hanging limbs must be removed. Doing so usually requires special equipment or tree climbing.

Removal Guidelines and Rules

The guidelines for the removal of specialized debris include most of the same requirements as general debris but there are several additional steps. In most declared disasters, the Federal government will cover a large portion of the recovery costs paid out by local and state governments. FEMA is typically the organization responsible for the Federal government’s oversight of these operations. The additional guidelines and rules for specialized debris are in place to help ensure that the additional funds being spent on LHS debris removal are necessary and that the extra payments are not being spent on normal debris removal. Just like general debris, if the rules are not followed then the costs may not be reimbursed by the Federal government.

The main differences between general debris and specialized debris are the requirement for validation and additional documentation. Before any LHS removal can be done, contractors must go out to identify and document any potential LHS items. Each item will be documented to include the item’s type, size, location including GPS, and any other required details. The LHS item will be numbered to include painting the number for visual identification later and then photographed. Once an LHS item has been identified, it must be validated. Validation requires that the contractor handling the removal meet with the governing agency, usually FEMA, at the LHS location. FEMA would then validate that the LHS is classified correctly. Once validation is completed, removal can take place. Once the item is removed, it is matched up to the validation paperwork to complete the documentation.

Failure to follow the process and document all required items puts reimbursement at risk. Many local governments choose to bring in specialized contractors that are well versed in the rules and requirements to oversee the debris operations and to help improve the chances of reimbursement. Even if counties handle their own general debris removal, they can still pass the specialized removal responsibilities on to one of these companies. And like general debris removal, the assistance provided for specialized debris can typically be included in the costs being reimbursed.

About This Article: This article has been prepared by an emergency management planner and as such reflects the practices of comprehensive emergency management. The details here may not comprehensively reflect all aspects of recovery efforts with regard to debris removal. All information comes from the planner’s six years of industry experience and training along with direct field experience in four debris removal missions.

Points to Ponder

What is your community plan for specialized debris removal? Who is responsible for debris removal and when was the last time they reviewed the ever-changing FEMA requirements? Have you thought about who you might bring in for consultations or to simply manage a LHS operation?