Disposal 

Disaster Debris Management

Guidelines for local governments

DEQ plays a central role in the disposal of disaster debris. Reimbursement by the federal government for costs incurred by public agencies in response to an emergency may be hampered if state and local agencies have not coordinated and communicated with DEQ on the location and handling of disaster debris. Letting DEQ know where disaster debris can go in your area will help us let residents know where to take their wastes. DEQ will issue news releases to local media and put information on our Web site.

For best management practices in the handling and sorting of storm debris, please see the fact sheet:

• Disaster Debris Management from Winter Storm Emergencies PDF

Get DEQ approval for disaster debris sites

Existing permitted solid waste facilities, transfer stations, landfills, material recovery facilities and compost facilities may need to make changes to their operations in response to a disaster. For sites in the Northwest Region (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties), contact Tiffany Yelton (503-229-5049) within 48 hours of the following:

• Increasing the volume of acceptable wastes beyond any permit limits.
• Setting up areas for collection of wastes not allowed under the permit. This should only apply to those wastes that staff or contractors at the site can safely handle.
• Opening to the public or to haulers who do not usually use the site. Assure that the public has safe access to the site.

For temporary facilities

DEQ can issue temporary Solid Waste Letters of Authorization for temporary facilities with a very short turn-around time. Having the letter of authorization helps the facility comply with state law which can impact the ability to get FEMA reimbursements.

See the Disaster Debris Management fact sheet for instructions on obtaining a Letter of Authorization.

DEQ Disaster Waste Management Contacts
Debris management, including setting up temporary handling sites and hazardous waste collection at those sites	Contact Tiffany Yelton, 503-229-5049 (cell: 503-720-7472) or Maggie Conley, 503-780-2962
Hazardous materials management	Dave Kunz, 503-229-5336
To report a hazardous spill	Contact Oregon Emergency Management (OERS) at 1-800-452-0311
Water quality issues, including treatment facilities	Contact the facility's permit manager, or the DEQ Water Quality Duty Officer, 503-229-5263
Emergency burn permits, general questions or complaints	Contact Robert Vance, DEQ complaint officer, at 503-229-5600 or 503-229-5393.

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