Disaster Debris Management

Louisiana Revised Statute 30:2413.1 focuses on how the state should prepare for and manage debris after natural disasters, especially hurricanes. The legislation was created due to the devasation from natural disasters, like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which generated unanticipated amounts of debris. 

This legislation declares that a comprehensive debris management plan for future natural disasters is vital to the protection and welfare of the people of the state of Louisiana. 

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) developed a comprehensive plan to manage debris generated by natural disasters. This plan shall reuse, and recycle materials and divert debris from disposal in landfills to the extent possible and in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment.

This plan shall explain how debris will be collected, sorted, recycled, and safely disposed of. It also encourages coordination between state agencies, local governments, and emergency responders so everyone is aware of their responsibilities. The plan is designed to provide guidance to local governments and state agencies in determining appropriate debris management sites for temporary activities that may be required to respond to a natural disaster.

The purpose of the legislation  and the development of a comprehensive debris management plan is to promote efficient, practical, timely, and  safer disaster cleanup. By planning ahead, Louisiana can protect public health, reduce environmental damage, and help communities recover more efficiently after natural disasters. Overall, the legislation emphasizes preparedness, safety, and teamwork in managing natural disaster debris.

Emergency Debris Sites

Emergency debris sites are locations that are identified by the local governments or state agencies and evaluated and approved by the LDEQ for the purposes of managing disaster generated debris.

These sites are carefully selected to protect human health and the environment. 

Overall, emergency debris sites assist local governments in recovery after a natural disaster and the handling, processing, recycling and disposing of disaster related debris.

Approved Emergency Debris Sites

• Currently Approved Emergency Debris Sites

Emergency Debris Site Application

• Emergency Debris Site (EDS) Request and SHPO Form (04/28/2023)
  Note: Include most recent SHPO approved form with your EDS form for all existing pre-approved sites (a copy may be obtained from SHPO or from LDEQ EDMS).

Comprehensive Plan for Disaster Clean-up and Debris Management

• Comprehensive Plan for Disaster Clean-up and Debris Management (9/14/2024)
• Appendix A & Appendix B of the Administrative Order and Authorization for Pre-approved Emergency Debris Sites (6/12/2024)

Emergency Debris Site Forms

• EDS Written Notification of Activation
• EDS Weekly Debris Management Reports
• EDS Written Deactivation Request Form

Permit Variances during Emergency Events

During a declared emergency, Louisiana can issue an Emergency Declaration and Administrative Order, also called a DEOA. This order gives the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality permission to temporarily relax certain rules for facilities that already have environmental permits. These temporary changes, called variances, allow facilities to keep operating safely during the emergency without going through the usual long process of modifying their permits.

However, if a facility’s emergency activities cause long‑term changes or if the facility wants to continue those activities after the emergency ends, it must request a formal permit modification. This request has to be submitted within six months after the Governor declares the emergency, unless the Department gives more time. The goal is to help facilities respond quickly during emergencies while still protecting the environment in the long run.