Category A - Debris Removal
Evironmental and Historic Preservation Considerations
Although debris removal is usually statutorily excluded from NEPA review, FEMA must ensure compliance with other Federal laws, regulations, and EOs prior to funding the work. Accordingly, FEMA must ensure that the Applicant’s debris removal operations avoid impacts to such resources as floodplains, wetlands, federally listed threatened and endangered species and their critical habitats, and historic properties (including maritime or underwater archaeological resources if waterways are impacted). The Applicant must stage debris at a safe distance from property boundaries, surface water, floodplains, wetlands, structures, wells, and septic tanks with leach fields. Additional coordination may be necessary for debris removal from waterways, stump removal, and use of fill. The Applicant should contact applicable Federal, State, Territorial, and Tribal regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with requirements and permits for debris-related operations. Upon completion of debris removal and disposal, site remediation may be necessary at staging sites and other impacted areas.
Policy / Guidance
- Debris Monitoring Guide (PDF)
- PA 101 – Debris Removal (PDF)
- EHP Fact Sheet: Debris Removal Activities (PDF)
- Fact Sheet: Debris Removal including Private Property Debris (PDF)
Forms
FEMA Training Video
- Understanding PA – Debris Removal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbxPO6RwyZA
Category B – Emergency Protective Measures
Evironmental and Historic Preservation Considerations
Although emergency protective measures are usually statutorily excluded from NEPA review, FEMA must ensure compliance with other Federal laws, regulations, and EOs prior to funding the work. Accordingly, FEMA must ensure that the Applicant’s emergency protective measures avoid impacts to such resources as floodplains, wetlands, federally listed threatened and endangered species and their critical habitats, and historic properties. Additional coordination may be necessary for projects such as, but not limited to, new construction related to the temporary relocation of emergency services, mosquito abatement, disposal of contaminated sandbags, or the construction of temporary levees, roadways, or bridges.