Disaster Debris Guidance
Information for County and City Government Officials

In the event that FEMA approves reimbursement for Category A (Debris Removal), there are a number of items that should be kept in mind to maximize a jurisdiction’s ability to get reimbursed for those expenses.
In order to be eligible for FEMA funding, the debris removal work must:

• Be a direct result of a Presidentially declared disaster;
• Occur within the designated disaster area; and
• Be the responsibility of the applicant at the time of the disaster.

In addition, debris removal work must be necessary to:

• Eliminate an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety;
• Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public or private property; or
• Ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

Important information for Judges and Mayors:Applicants Contracting Checklist

FEMA has a number of publications that address debris removal. Chief among these is FEMA 325: Public Assistance Debris Management Guide. In addition, there are a number of policies and fact sheets available to assist you in your debris operations.

Policies

• 9523.4 Demolition of Private Structures (7/18/07), (PDF 1.86MB)
• 9523.11 Hazardous Stump Extraction and Removal Eligibility (5/15/07), ( PDF 899KB)
• 9523.12 Debris Operations – Hand-Loaded Trucks and Trailers (5/1/06)
• 9523.13 Debris Removal from Private Property (7/18/07), ( PDF 4.4KB)

Fact Sheets

• 9580.201 Applicants Contracting Checklist
• 9580.202 Debris Removal Authorities of Other Federal Agencies
• 9580.203 Debris Monitoring
• 9580.4 Fact Sheet: Debris Operations - Clarification- Emergency Contracting vs. Emergency Work (1/19/01)
• FEMA 329 - Debris Management Brochure