Disaster Debris Planning

Sometimes local governments must respond to disasters that destroy large numbers of homes. They may need to demolish partially destroyed homes and manage disaster debris.

damaged building
Storm-damaged buildings

If your municipality has a disaster debris management plan, it may be worth reviewing it to see if it addresses environmental issues related to the demolition and disposal of debris from a large number of buildings.

If your community does not have a disaster debris management plan, you may want to consider developing one. EPA has guidance documents that address the environmental issues that arise in such situations and how they can, should or must be handled.