Disaster Debris Management Resource Center

Effective debris management is essential to protecting public health and safety, restoring critical services, and supporting community recovery after a disaster. Debris removal from a disaster area is the first visible sign of recovery, however funding for debris removal is limited to certain activities. This webpage was put together to provide guidance, resources, and support to help localities plan for, respond to, and recover from debris-generating events.

Please see the resources available below:

Procurement & Contracting Resources
Information to help localities procure debris services in compliance with state and federal guidance so that they may be eligible for reimbursement. Your initial contract may not be federal, but if seeking federal reimbursement the requirements below apply.

• Federal Contracting Requirements
  • eCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 — Uniform Administrative Requirements
    • 2 CFR 200.317 – 327 apply to local governments
• Federal Contracting Resources
  • VDEM Debris Management Guidance and Contracting
  • FEMA Procurement Under Grants Policy Guide
• Federal Contracting Training
  • Procurement Under Grants Training | FEMA.gov

• DGS/DPS Contract – Emergency Debris Removal and Monitoring Services
  • Prior to using, please consult with your local procurement office and seek legal counsel for compliance with 2 CFR 200.317-327.
  • VDEM Procurement Resources Page

Permitting & Regulatory Guidance
Direct access to regulatory partners involved in permitting temporary debris staging areas, accounting for invasive species, impacts to sensitive species, environmental compliance, and historic preservation.  Following required permitting processes is necessary for federal reimbursement.

• Severe Weather Debris Management and Permitting | Virginia DEQ
• Virginia Special Status Faunal Species in Virginia (Threatened and Endangered Species) I Virginia DWR
• Disaster Planning & Recovery – Historic Resources I Virginia DHR
• Invasive Species – Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma Delicatula) | Virginia DACS

Partner Organizations & Coordination
Links to organizations that frequently support debris response activities.

• Districts | Virginia Department of Transportation
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Locations

Debris Management Planning Documents
Planning frameworks and operational guidance.

• Coming Soon: DEQ Local Debris Management Planning Guide
• NOAA: Virginia Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide | Marine Debris Program

Voluntary and Faith Based Organizational Support

Where government resources have limits to access private property, volunteer and faith-based organizations may be able to assist.

• Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters

Waterway Debris Resources

• Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Exceeding Capacity and Requesting Assistance
If the disaster exceeds local capability to remove debris, the resources below provide instructions for submitting a request in WebEOC.

• Debris Technical Assistance
• Curbside Debris Removal Operations
• Waterway Debris Removal Operations