Cleaning Up & Reconstructing in Haiti after the 2010 Earthquake

Cleaning up & ReconstructingCleaning up & ReconstructingAfter After

The Haiti EarthquakeThe Haiti Earthquake

Prepared by Isabelle Heatherington Arnold, ARMPrepared by Isabelle Heatherington Arnold, ARMRisk ManagerRisk Manager

Best Risks, LLCBest Risks, LLCAssessment, Management & Planning of CatastrophesAssessment, Management & Planning of Catastrophes

www.bestrisks.comwww.bestrisks.com

Copyrighted 2010 Bestrisks.comCopyrighted 2010 Bestrisks.com 22

Debris Clean UpDebris Clean Up

A disaster can result in numerous A disaster can result in numerous types of debris such as hazardous types of debris such as hazardous hanging limbs, sand, construction hanging limbs, sand, construction materials, vehicles and personal materials, vehicles and personal property, any of which can wreak property, any of which can wreak certain havoc on a community. certain havoc on a community. Locating the staff, equipment, and Locating the staff, equipment, and funds to devote to debris removal funds to devote to debris removal can be a complex process for even can be a complex process for even the most well-prepared of the most well-prepared of jurisdictions. jurisdictions.


Priorities Priorities

Assess total volume of debrisAssess total volume of debris Develop debris removal and Develop debris removal and

recycling planrecycling plan Prepare pick up and drop off points Prepare pick up and drop off points

for debrisfor debris Equipment and Labor Equipment and Labor Coordinate with public and private Coordinate with public and private

sectorsector Communication planCommunication plan


Debris Clean UpDebris Clean Up

Critical Needs:Critical Needs:

Clear roads to allow heavy equipmentClear roads to allow heavy equipment Identify drop off point (s) for the debrisIdentify drop off point (s) for the debris Sort dropped off debris: concrete, metal, Sort dropped off debris: concrete, metal,

combustible & hazardous materialscombustible & hazardous materials Bring in and set up specialized heavy Bring in and set up specialized heavy

equipment:equipment:- Crusher -Grinder - Crusher -Grinder

- Air curtain pit with blower and incinerator- Air curtain pit with blower and incinerator


Debris Management Site Debris Management Site considerationsconsiderationsThe following site characteristics items should beconsidered when selecting debris management sites:

Publicly owned land (state or municipal)

Large open space – should be at least 40 square meters (10 sq.yds) ; greater than 200 square meters (50 sq.yds) is ideal for sites serving multiple municipalities or final regional debris staging sites before disposal.

Relatively flat topography

Good ingress and egress

Minimal effect on residential neighborhoods, educational facilities,health care facilities, and environmentally sensitive areas.


Debris Management Site ConsiderationDebris Management Site Consideration

Location near final disposal sites to reduce haulingdistances No wetlands, endangered species, rare

ecosystems, or otherenvironmental restrictions No impact on historic or archaeological sites Accommodates separation and reduction of types of

debris: vegetative, construction and demolition, household hazardous waste, commercial hazardous waste etc.

can accommodate types of site operations that may take place: chipping, grinding, recycling, and under permitted conditions by DEP – air curtain burning, and open pit burning.


Volume of DebrisVolume of Debris

Concrete and masonry makes up Concrete and masonry makes up 70% of debris to be picked up and 70% of debris to be picked up and disposed of.disposed of.

There are no designated dump sites There are no designated dump sites for such large volume of concretefor such large volume of concrete

The concrete must be crushed and The concrete must be crushed and recycledrecycled

The volume of construction debris on The volume of construction debris on private property is enormous and yet private property is enormous and yet uncalculated uncalculated


Issues With Uncontrolled Issues With Uncontrolled DumpingDumping Private contractors are picking up Private contractors are picking up

debris and dumping on side of roadsdebris and dumping on side of roads Dumping on empty lotsDumping on empty lots Hazardous materials not sortedHazardous materials not sorted Contamination of soilContamination of soil Water contaminationWater contamination Will soon run out of space for Will soon run out of space for

dumpingdumping


Calculating VolumeCalculating Volume

The following formulas are provided toThe following formulas are provided toassist in arriving at uniform debrisassist in arriving at uniform debrisestimates:estimates:

·1 Story Building:·1 Story Building:L'xW'xH'L'xW'xH' = _____ CY x 0.33 = _______CY = _____ CY x 0.33 = _______CY2727

Debris Pile:Debris Pile:L'xW'xHL'xW'xH' = ______CY' = ______CY2727

1 cubic yard = 0.764554858 cubic 1 cubic yard = 0.764554858 cubic metermeter


DisposalDisposal

The next step in the process is

solid waste disposal, from both an

operational and cost basis. The

disposal site haul distance is a

major cost and time factor in

clean-up.


Volume Measurement ConversionVolume Measurement Conversion

Tons to Cubic Yards for Construction andTons to Cubic Yards for Construction andDemolition Debris:Demolition Debris:Tons x 2 = ______ CYTons x 2 = ______ CYTons to Cubic Yards for Woody Debris:Tons to Cubic Yards for Woody Debris:Tons x 4 = ______CYTons x 4 = ______CY

Cubic Yards to Tons for Construction andCubic Yards to Tons for Construction andDemolition Debris:Demolition Debris:Cubic Yards Cubic Yards = _____T= _____T22Cubic Yards to Tons for Woody Debris:Cubic Yards to Tons for Woody Debris:Cubic Yards Cubic Yards = ____T= ____T44


Volume reduction methodsVolume reduction methods

Burn: Burn: open burning, air curtain pit open burning, air curtain pit burning, and incineration. burning, and incineration.

GrindGrind

RecycleRecycle


Recycling DebrisRecycling Debris

Some effective ways to recycle debris include:

Composting or mulching vegetative debris, Using materials such as concrete or

asphaltas sub‐base for roads, prevent erosion on beaches and port areas

Selling scrap metalto dealers, and

Using dirt as landfill coveror for agricultural purposes.


Recycling is the better solutionRecycling is the better solution

Recycling and material separation at the point of generation and at staging/processing locations.

Maximize potential processing and recycling options.

Is better for the environment


Northridge Earthquake, Los Northridge Earthquake, Los Angeles CaliforniaAngeles CaliforniaCity of Los Angeles Curbside Pickup Program Following 1994City of Los Angeles Curbside Pickup Program Following 1994Northridge Earthquake Northridge Earthquake

BackgroundBackground: The City of Los Angeles chose to address the : The City of Los Angeles chose to address the issue of collection and processing of earthquake debris through issue of collection and processing of earthquake debris through private contractors. The City determined that it was most private contractors. The City determined that it was most effective to use the existing expertise of established businesses effective to use the existing expertise of established businesses in the area to address debris collection and processing. The in the area to address debris collection and processing. The anticipated result would be a shorter learning curve for waste anticipated result would be a shorter learning curve for waste handling and a potential expansion of permanent facilities to handling and a potential expansion of permanent facilities to process mixed and segregated wastes after cleanup activities process mixed and segregated wastes after cleanup activities were completed.were completed.

Recycling ProgramRecycling Program OverviewOverview: The City of Los Angeles developed a Demolition and : The City of Los Angeles developed a Demolition and

Debris Removal Program to handle the debris generated from Debris Removal Program to handle the debris generated from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The purpose of the program the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The purpose of the program was to collect residence curbside earthquake debris, and was to collect residence curbside earthquake debris, and demolish demolish 400+ damaged buildings.400+ damaged buildings.

The City collected The City collected 2,880,000 tons2,880,000 tons, and , and recycled 1,629,800 tonsrecycled 1,629,800 tons for a 56.5% recycling rate. for a 56.5% recycling rate. The City saved approximately The City saved approximately 6,350,000 cubic yards of landfill space through its recycling 6,350,000 cubic yards of landfill space through its recycling and demolition programs (1,629,800 tons).and demolition programs (1,629,800 tons).


Northridge Earthquake StudyNorthridge Earthquake StudyLessons Learned:Lessons Learned:

The City of Los Angeles stressed that it is extremely important to identify the The City of Los Angeles stressed that it is extremely important to identify the types and locations of debris piled up in the streets prior to dispatching crews to types and locations of debris piled up in the streets prior to dispatching crews to collect it. collect it.

This allows for: This allows for: consolidation of similar types of debris (i.e. wood, aggregate, metal, wallboard, consolidation of similar types of debris (i.e. wood, aggregate, metal, wallboard, insulation), so that full loads of like material can be brought to source separated insulation), so that full loads of like material can be brought to source separated processing stations, thus minimizing transportation and disposal costs and processing stations, thus minimizing transportation and disposal costs and increasing the likelihood that the materials will be recycled. increasing the likelihood that the materials will be recycled.

Debris identification Debris identification Debris identification can be accomplished in various ways. In hilly areas, the Debris identification can be accomplished in various ways. In hilly areas, the

City of Los Angeles scoped the neighborhoods using City staff contractors and City of Los Angeles scoped the neighborhoods using City staff contractors and marking types of materials and locations on a map. Some contractors will do marking types of materials and locations on a map. Some contractors will do this prior to dispatching crews, but not necessarily. This is probably something this prior to dispatching crews, but not necessarily. This is probably something that should be negotiated in the contract. that should be negotiated in the contract.

Although the City of Los Angeles chose to blanket the neighborhoods with Although the City of Los Angeles chose to blanket the neighborhoods with mobile crews, a Geographic Information System could also be used for mobile crews, a Geographic Information System could also be used for identifying locations. Regardless of the method, the primary goal is to maximize identifying locations. Regardless of the method, the primary goal is to maximize capacity of the cleanup crews while collecting as much similar types of debris capacity of the cleanup crews while collecting as much similar types of debris as possible. as possible.

Notify residents of program. Notify residents of program. Get the word out This point may seem obvious, but there are several potential Get the word out This point may seem obvious, but there are several potential

barriers to disseminating information on a curbside pickup program. A City's barriers to disseminating information on a curbside pickup program. A City's public outreach program should evaluate all forms of media including: public outreach program should evaluate all forms of media including: newspaper ads, radio public service announcements, and television public newspaper ads, radio public service announcements, and television public access stations. Be aware of communities where multiple language ads will be access stations. Be aware of communities where multiple language ads will be necessary. Also, be prepared to pay for the ads. The City of Los Angeles was necessary. Also, be prepared to pay for the ads. The City of Los Angeles was quoted a price of $16,000.00 for a quarter-page ad in the quoted a price of $16,000.00 for a quarter-page ad in the L.A. TimesL.A. Times. .

Consider only collecting source separated material at the curb. Consider only collecting source separated material at the curb.


Proposed Solutions for Debris Proposed Solutions for Debris RemovalRemoval

Create mandatory order at government level for debris disposal Create mandatory order at government level for debris disposal protocol that all private and public contractors must followprotocol that all private and public contractors must follow

Create Designated Dump Sites (DDS) for construction debris Create Designated Dump Sites (DDS) for construction debris only, outside the Port au Prince congested areasonly, outside the Port au Prince congested areas

After the debris is sorted at DDS, carry the sorted debris by class After the debris is sorted at DDS, carry the sorted debris by class to recycling or burn sites.to recycling or burn sites.

Create Hazardous Material containment and disposal protocols Create Hazardous Material containment and disposal protocols for DDSfor DDS

Communicate all the above to all commercial property owner, Communicate all the above to all commercial property owner, government contractors and private contractors via one agencygovernment contractors and private contractors via one agency

Communicate above to all NGO’s involved in recovery and Communicate above to all NGO’s involved in recovery and reconstructionreconstruction


ReconstructionReconstruction

The importance of rebuilding according to adequate The importance of rebuilding according to adequate codes cannot be stressed enough times. Yet, because of codes cannot be stressed enough times. Yet, because of lack of guidelines and monitoring, the private sector is lack of guidelines and monitoring, the private sector is rebuilding with almost the rebuilding with almost the same sub-standard same sub-standard constructionconstruction methods as before the earthquake. methods as before the earthquake.

The International Building Code should be adopted and The International Building Code should be adopted and used by engineers, builders, governmental inspectors, used by engineers, builders, governmental inspectors, and insurance companies.and insurance companies.

Earthquake retrofitting and Earthquake construction Earthquake retrofitting and Earthquake construction protocols are a must for public and private buildings that protocols are a must for public and private buildings that receive or welcome the public, such as hotels, hospitals receive or welcome the public, such as hotels, hospitals and schools.and schools.


ReconstructionReconstruction

Proper preparation and testing of the soil for evidence of Proper preparation and testing of the soil for evidence of liquefaction must be done before extensive reconstruction liquefaction must be done before extensive reconstruction can begin.can begin.

Repairs of concrete, masonry and structural supports Repairs of concrete, masonry and structural supports must be done under the supervision of a qualified must be done under the supervision of a qualified structural engineer or architectstructural engineer or architect

Owners of buildings should consider rebuilding with Owners of buildings should consider rebuilding with earthquake resistant material and designsearthquake resistant material and designs

Individual homeowners and business owners will need Individual homeowners and business owners will need financial assistance with debris removal and rebuilding financial assistance with debris removal and rebuilding due to large quantity of homes and businesses being due to large quantity of homes and businesses being under insured or not insured at all.under insured or not insured at all.


What Can The Private Sector What Can The Private Sector Do?Do? Take initiativeTake initiative Plan and Organize as a Plan and Organize as a

communitycommunity Communicate with all agenciesCommunicate with all agencies Provide solutions by exampleProvide solutions by example Take actionTake action Put local people to workPut local people to work Rebuilt safer and greenerRebuilt safer and greener


New DevelopmentNew Development

Every community that has rebuilt hit by a major disaster Every community that has rebuilt hit by a major disaster ultimately rebuilds better and safer buildings. The ultimately rebuilds better and safer buildings. The challenge in Haiti is finding the money to sustain this challenge in Haiti is finding the money to sustain this rebuilding process.rebuilding process.

New communities spring up from the ashes of the old, and New communities spring up from the ashes of the old, and sometimes are relocated completely to a safer place.sometimes are relocated completely to a safer place.

There will be a housing shortage here for quite some time.There will be a housing shortage here for quite some time. There will be a need for modular housing, which can be There will be a need for modular housing, which can be

shipped to Haiti ready to assemble.shipped to Haiti ready to assemble.

A well plan development addressing storage needs, A well plan development addressing storage needs, businesses and homes will be welcome in Haiti.businesses and homes will be welcome in Haiti.


ConclusionConclusion

By studying how other communities facing similar By studying how other communities facing similar disasters have successfully rebuild, Haiti has an disasters have successfully rebuild, Haiti has an opportunity to start anew, with better construction and opportunity to start anew, with better construction and planning for any future disaster. planning for any future disaster.

Not taking the time to do the reconstruction properly can Not taking the time to do the reconstruction properly can create an even more damaging aftermath to the economy, create an even more damaging aftermath to the economy, the health and welfare of the people of Haiti.the health and welfare of the people of Haiti.

Foreign aid needs to be used judiciously and an Foreign aid needs to be used judiciously and an government wide reconstruction plan must be in place. government wide reconstruction plan must be in place. That is the only way to start on the road to a efficient and That is the only way to start on the road to a efficient and prompt recovery for Haiti.prompt recovery for Haiti.

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Cleaning Up & Reconstructing in Haiti after the 2010 Earthquake