Predictions for the 2004 hurricane season included words like “active” and “above-normal.” As we all now know, Mother Nature did not disappoint.
Since the June 1st start of last season, 12 major storms, seven of which became named hurricanes (four hitting the southeastern United States), formed. Names like Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne are forever imprinted in our minds.
The active 2004 hurricane season was unique in a variety of ways, including these:
- A high (about 65-75%) probability of an above-normal season and a low (about 5-10%) chance of a below-normal season.
- Many predictions abound, but the consensus points to 14 tropical storms, eight of which would become named hurricanes and four of which could be classified as intense.
- Weaker-than-normal trade winds and warmer-than-normal waters temperatures, both of which are predicted, would both favor above-average activity this hurricane season.
A note for Floridians: It’s important to know that last year’s events are not necessarily representative of a cycle or trend that has begun. And remember, there were very few hurricanes making landfall during the years 1966-2003.
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Whose debris is it anyway?
The storm season of 2004 was one for the record books, especially for the state of Florida. With last year’s highly active hurricane season still fresh in our memories, the issue of debris removal from private roads and gated communities has once again become a “hot button” issue.
To flesh out the facts, we spoke with Tom Credle, AshBritt Senior Consultant and Director of Quality Assurance. Tom’s many years of experience with FEMA and the private sector were evident in his point of view.
Legacy of the 2004 season
“Debris removal from private property and particularly from gated communities has been determined to be not only technically ineligible but totally ineligible,” Credle recently explained.
“FEMA is taking a hard line with the definition of private roads and gated communities, and the result is a stricter standard in terms of what debris is considered ‘eligible debris’ and what FEMA will reimburse.”
In past storms and prior years, FEMA has participated in cost-sharing of debris removal from private roads and gated communities by allowing at least a single debris removal pass on these types of properties. But this all changed, Credle said, in 2004 with a major shift in the issue of legal ownership of the debris.
Shift in idea of ownership
“Formerly,” Credle added, “if the road in question was used by public service providers such as school buses, mail carriers and police personnel on the way to emergencies, then they were at least during those instances being used to serve the public and this was generally transferred over to the debris removal issue as well.”
FEMA, he said, has since changed its stance, now saying that the local governments need to prove ownership of this debris before FEMA will participate in cost reimbursement.
“FEMA does not deny such removal, as that is an open option for local government, but without a legal necessity to remove debris from these properties, FEMA will not pay the normal federal share of the costs.”
Speculation
Within the debris industry, there is speculation about the major change that was evident in 2004. Some suggest it is the large number of private roads and gated communities in the state of Florida, while others suggest it is simply a way to contain costs and reduce the federal outlay of disaster dollars.
Credle suggests that the second reason is stronger than the first.
Who owns what?
The standard in determining who owns the debris and who is responsible for removing it has become, in a word, “difficult.”
The question then becomes, who and by what means?
“One of the mechanisms,” Credle went on to explain, “by which you would determine who is responsible for debris removal is to ask the question ‘Who would have the authority to remove something like a derelict building from this particular location?’”
If the local government cannot prove ownership, Credle offered, then FEMA will determine that there is no compelling reason to use taxpayer dollars to remove the building or debris, and it then becomes the responsibility of the homeowner.
A notable change
The shift away from “limited” FEMA support for such debris to no support for this type of removal has caused “severe heartburn” in a lot of Florida communities, Credle said.
At present, there is dialogue at all levels of government on this topic. Several Florida counties and cities are seeking clarification of FEMA Disaster Specific Guidance #8 and others are looking to Congress to support their claims that these citizens deserve the same storm (debris) relief as homeowners on publicly-owned roads or streets.
What’s next?
How this issue will play out is only a guess at this point, Credle summed up, but all parties are hoping for a clear understanding of all of the dynamics, stakeholders and other parties of interest before the 2005 storm season begins.
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Q&A with John Noble, AshBritt’s Vice President of Operations: Ensuring a quality subcontractor workforce
Q: Tell us a little about your screening process: What does AshBritt look for in subcontractors?
A: Working with qualified, reliable, and able subcontractors is crucial to the success of any business’ operations. For us, one of the initial factors in building a qualified workforce is finding people who are experienced in the business of debris collection. Aside from the expertise, the proper equipment and their location are also important to us. We want mechanical loading equipment and trucks that are both well-maintained and have a strong safety record. We also prefer the subcontractors to be located in a reasonable proximity to the Atlantic East Coast and Gulf Coast areas to minimize their mobilization time.
Q. Aside from the technical expertise and equipment, what licenses and certifications do you require for subcontractors?
A: Unfortunately, there is not a licensing requirement for debris collection. If there were, subcontractor selection might be a less diligent process. However, we apply several requirements to potential subcontractors that help to separate the desirable from the undesirable. First, we require an Auto Liability and General Liability of one million dollars each. Second, our Subcontract Agreement requires compliance with FEMA, state and local laws, regulations and directives.
Q. What is AshBritt’s primary source for subcontracted resources?
A: During most deployments, the vast majority of our subcontractors are drawn from our subcontractor database. The database contains over 250 firms experienced in the different disciplines associated with the disaster recovery mission. There are debris collection contractors, debris processing contractors, hazard mitigation contractors, marine recovery contractors and base-camp providers. Since 2001, we have also added decontamination and EOD specialists.
One of the new features of the database allows the Project Manager for a specific project to rate the performance of each subcontractor from his project. That rating then becomes a permanent part of the subcontractor’s file. It helps all of us stay current with who our quality performers are.
Q. I would imagine that some communities would prefer to have local contractors involved in the debris clean-up?
A: Absolutely. We have hired and trained numerous local contractors and found them to be valuable assets. They posses a familiarity with the locality that is unsurpassed, and they generally have a vested interest in getting the job done correctly. In certain AshBritt projects, the local participation has been as high as 70%.
Q: How did the experience last year in Florida, with the four hurricanes in one season, differ from previous years in terms of selecting and screening sub-contractors?
A: Without exception, securing qualified and competent subcontractors in 2004 was a significant challenge for every firm in the industry. At the peak of the recovery efforts, AshBritt had over 500 firms engaged as subcontractors. The majority were quality companies with the expertise to do the job right. However, we had a few firms in the mix that we will not engage again. In three of the 23 projects, we were simultaneously managing, we engaged crews using hand-loaded trailers. This was a first for us, but we found that there is an inordinate amount of supervisory time required to follow-up on their activities that, in our opinion, cannot justify their use.
Q: What’re the priorities going forward?
A: We’re always asking ourselves what we can do better -- and how. After each hurricane season we bring our operational and administrative staff as well as key subcontractors together for an after-action review of our operations. In our review of 2004, we developed a list of 46 items for improvement. We like to think of our operations as constantly evolving through new ideas, new procedures and new technology. Hopefully, this will all result in greater satisfaction on the part of our clients.
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Testimonials
"The Town of Davie was fortunate enough to have AshBritt as our preposition disaster contractor during last year’s hurricane season.
The equipment and personnel response met or exceeded our expectations in every area. AshBritt had the right equipment for the task assigned and completed the debris removal to the Town’s satisfaction. Their performance through back-to-back hurricane events within just a couple of weeks gave solace to our community. Their technical staff has also been available to train or assess Town staff in the submittal process for reimbursement issues for FEMA."
Bruce Bernard
Public Works/ Capital Projects Director
Town of Davie, Florida
"In 2002, Charlotte County, Florida entered into a contract with AshBritt Environmental to provide debris management services in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. That eventuality happened on August 13, 2004 when Hurricane Charley swept through the County.
AshBritt Environmental personnel where on the scene within hours of the passing of the hurricane, helping a stunned and dazed County staff regroup and jump-start the recovery process. AshBritt was called upon to perform emergency protective measures that allowed for our primary EOC and Government Center to be placed back in service within 36 hours after sustaining substantial structural damage.
With AshBritt’s assistance and guidance, we were able to establish three TDSRS and start initial debris collection within 48 hours. Within one week, AshBritt had over 220 trucks with associated equipment loading and hauling debris from throughout the County.
AshBritt has worked continuously to ensure that, not only was the debris collected, processed and properly disposed of, but that it was done as economically as possible and in such a way as to maximize Federal and State reimbursement. AshBritt provided us with options and information that allowed Charlotte County to make informed decisions on how to deal with both storm debris and massive amounts of mobile home wreckage.
No one person or company is responsible for the successful recovery from a natural disaster. We have to work as a team and without concern for individual reward or recognition. AshBritt demonstrated that they are the consummate team player and the residents of Charlotte County will be eternally grateful for all of their assistance."
R. Alan Holbach, FPEM
Maintenance & Operations Manager
County of Charlotte, Florida
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