Connecticut is a coastal state with a high probability of being affected by a natural disaster such as a hurricane or similar type of destructive storm. The State’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) has identified a Category 3 hurricane as the most probable, worst case scenario facing the State, as well as it having the greatest destructive potential of all natural disasters. The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), has projected that the amount of debris that could be generated by such an event could range from 18 to 20 million tons. It has been estimated that the amount of debris generated from the Hurricane of 1938 totaled 20 million tons. In Connecticut, the quantity of solid waste (municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris) normally processed and disposed annually is 5 million tons.

• NEW! Municipal Resources: 
• Emergency Authorization Fact Sheet for Managing Storm Generated Debris
• Site Selection Guide for Debris Management Sites (DMS)
• Fact Sheet - Appointment of Local Open Burning Official and Guidance on Brush Management Options

• Plans, Guidance Documents and Contracts
• ConOps for Debris Management by Municipalities in a Small-Scale or Localized Event
• Additional Resources
• DEEP Contact Information
• Related Information
• Past Storm Information

The State has prepared two primary documents that cover natural disaster and related state-wide level response and operations: the State Response Framework ("SRF") and the State Disaster Debris Management Plan (Emergency Support Function (ESF 3) of the SRF).  Strategies for the cleanup of debris are presented in both of these Plans.

In November 2007, the State submitted the State Disaster Debris Management Plan to FEMA for approval under their Public Assistance pilot program. For the Plan to be approved, it had to meet certain criteria set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In January 2008, FEMA notified the State that the plan received conditional approval pending the State’s establishing pre-event contracts for debris removal operations and for the monitoring of these operations. In August 2008, the State successfully completed this work of establishing these contracts. In September 2008, the State revised this Plan to reflect this change and resubmitted it to FEMA for final approval. FEMA approved the plan on September 22, 2008.

Since 2008, the State has been impacted by six natural disasters that received Federal Disaster Declarations.  The updated State Disaster Debris Management Plan, June 2013, captures the experience and lessons learned from these events.

The State has executed monitoring and removal contracts to assist in the State's recovery efforts resulting from a natural disaster debris-producing event.

Plans, Guidance Documents and Contracts

The State of Connecticut Disaster Recovery Framework, dated July 2018, was prepared by DESPP. The Plan establishes the mission assignments of state agencies in responding to natural disasters of a severity and magnitude typical for Connecticut. The Plan describes the interaction of state government with local governments, private response organizations (e.g., utilities, the American Red Cross) and the federal government in natural disaster situations.

The State Disaster Debris Management Plan (ESF 3 of the SRF) establishes the framework for proper management of debris generated by a natural disaster, with the goal of facilitating prompt and efficient recovery that is cost effective, eligible for FEMA reimbursement, and protective of the environment.

The Plan is an important planning document for all levels of government – federal, state and local. The Plan describes the State contracts that are in place to use in response to a catastrophic natural disaster; the contracts are for both debris removal operations and the monitoring of these types of operations (see below for more information on the State Contracts).

The Plan outlines the planning and operation functions for Debris Management Sites and the two phases of clean-up. The Plan includes a number of appendices that provide references to a number of waste management resources.

FEMA approval letter, dated September 22, 2008.

The State Concept of Operations Plan (ConOps) for Disaster Debris Management, Activation and Use of the State Debris Removal and Monitoring Contracts is a companion document to the State Disaster Debris Management Plan, June 2013.  This Plan details the steps that will be taken by the State, its contractors, and other parties to facilitate the removal, management, collection and disposal or recycling of all debris generated from a catastrophic natural disaster, such as a Category 3 hurricane.  This ConOps is tied to the activation and use of the State contracts for disaster debris removal and monitoring.

There is also a one-page ConOps that should be used by municipalities or special taxing districts as a quick-reference guide for small-scale or localized events that may only affect a small area (such as one town).

The debris management strategy for the State is divided into four major operational time periods: pre-landfall phase; phase 1; phase 2; and post-recovery.  Phase 1 and Phase 2 are major focus areas.  Phase 1 is the initial response, typically occurring during the first 24 to 70 hours following an event, and consists primarily of “pushing” the debris along major roadways to the right-of-way shoulders that would otherwise hinder immediate life-saving actions and that poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.  Phase 2, which can last up to a year or longer, consists of removing, segregating, and disposing or recycling of the debris that hinders the orderly recovery of the community and poses less immediate threats to health and safety.  The State contracts may be initiated as early as Phase 1 if it is determined that the storm event may overwhelm State and local emergency response resources.

The Guidance for Connecticut Municipalities-Overview of Disaster Debris Management Planning, 2006 was prepared by the DEEP for the purpose of providing to municipal officials a brief and useful guide to the key elements for planning, mobilizing, organizing, and controlling a large-scale debris clearance, removal and disposal/recycling operation.

A State Contract for the monitoring of the disaster debris removal operations was executed, June 2014 and a contract for the removal of disaster debris was executed July 2014. These are pre-need and pre-event contracts that can assist the state in disaster debris recovery operations. These contracts:

• assure the immediate availability of coordinated debris removal support following a debris producing incident.
• will be used on an as-needed basis; and,
• will be activated on a statewide basis only by the Governor, typically in the context of an emergency declaration.

Municipal use of state contracts

If a FEMA major disaster declaration is received, then towns could seek 75% reimbursement for additional work beyond the 70 hours.

• Debris Removal:  Under DAS Contract Award #14PSX0060, "AshBritt" provides for clearing, collecting and transporting debris, establishing and operating Debris Management Sites, and ensuring ultimate recycling or disposal of debris. 
  • Direct contact:  Dow Knight     Tel:  954-725-6992     Fax:  954-725-6991
  • Alternate contact:  Dilia Camacho   Tel:  954-725-6992     Fax:  954-725-6991
  • DAS Contract 14PSX0060  Debris Removal
     
• Debris Monitoring (Reimbursement Documentation):  Under DAS Contract Award #14PSX0059, "Tetra Tech, Inc." provides for monitoring of debris removal operations and debris site management.  The monitoring contract also provides comprehensive oversight, guidance and documentation services.  This monitoring is required to receive potential federal reimbursement for disaster debris management expenditures under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance programs, as applicable. 
  • Direct contact:  Betty Kamara     Office:  321-441-8518   Cell:  407-803-2551     Fax:  321-441-8501
  • DAS Contract 14PSX0059 - Debris Monitoring and Documentation 
  • DAS Contract 14PSX0059 - Supplement noting change in contractor from "Leidos, Inc." to "Tetra Tech, Inc."

• FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide - FP 104-009-02/April 2018

Content last updated on November 2019