Disaster Debris Management

Planning for

Charlotte Brown

Mark Milke

Why is disaster debris management important?• Impact on emergency response • Public & environmental health

hazard• Hinder social, economic and

environmental recovery

Past events

Hurricane Katrina

• Wind and flood damage• Toxic sediments • Rotting food• Illegal dumping• Asbestos• Absent residents

The goal and the priorities?

• Fast as possible • Minimise public health hazard• Minimise environmental effects• Coordinate with emergency

activities

Environmental impact

• Standard waste management hierarchy?– Source reduction– Recycling– Waste combustion and landfilling

• Hazardous materials

Economics

• Direct costs– Waste collection & disposal

• Indirect costs– Adverse environmental impacts– Business disruption

Social impact

• Public health hazard• Restore order and sense of normalcy• Rebuilding• Also allow personal grieving

Organisational structures

Legal framework

Funding

•Coordination

•Waivers and liability

•Lowest cost?

Debris Management Plans

• New – last 15 years internationally • How-to guides• Country specific• Little guidance on decision-making

Way forward for NZ

• Prepare plans • Establish contracts and MOU’s• Determine roles and responsibilities• Establish funding mechanisms• Assess environmental impacts• Waste management strategies

www.disasterwaste.org

Thank you