Share on Social Media

Debris removal on a residential street in Joplin, Missouri, after tornadoes ripped through the town. Photo courtesy of FEMA. 

Rural communities face unique challenges and regulations when it comes to debris removal in a federally-declared disaster. IBTS spoke with Alan Rosen, assistant city manager of Port Orange, Florida, about his experience working in rural communities after Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine.

These tips provide information to help localities identify and plan for the FEMA debris removal regulations that impact rural communities. Be sure to also check out the IBTS Debris Management Plan Wizard, which provides a step-by-step guide through the debris management process, including FEMA requirements.

Be aware that FEMA does not typically reimburse for debris removal on private roads.

• Farm roads and many other rural roads are often private and have private connector roads. The owner of the road should have insurance to cover debris removal.
• FEMA will reimburse for debris removal on private roads if it can be shown that it affects public safety and economic recovery of the city as a whole.
• See FEMA’s “Debris Removal from Private Property Fact Sheet” for more information.
• Note that FEMA also does not reimburse for debris removal on undeveloped land.

Have debris removal and debris removal monitoring contracts in place before a disaster hits.

• “Most of us depend on real estate taxes, but rural areas with low resources will need to rely on contractors,” Rosen explains.
• Make sure all contracts are in CFR 200 compliance. Because localities can’t give preference to local companies, make sure contracts specify that the contractor is able to respond in XX number of hours. This allows you to use a local solid waste provider while staying compliant.

Be aware that all property owners must indemnify the local government to have legal authority to act.

• This means the federal government is not liable for things like mailboxes or irrigation lines that might get damaged during debris removal.
• Rosen suggests getting the indemnification and hold harmless agreement from all property owners each year before the start of the disaster seasons that impact your locality (such as hurricane or flood season).
• Consider implementing a local ordinance that approves important private roads for debris removal in a declared disaster with indemnification, hold harmless and right of entry. You won’t need annual approval if you codify it into local law.

Make sure you have a written overtime policy for employees. FEMA won’t reimburse for overtime on exempt or salaried employees if you claim it as a result of a federal disaster. FEMA will pay for overtime if there’s a written policy in the community.

See more IBTS tips on accelerating the debris removal process. 

Relevant legislation, policy or regulation: 

2 CFR, Part 200 — Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards