USACE receives three debris removal missions from FEMA

Published Nov. 6, 2012
LEBANON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ashley Kosmal, a Baltimore District project engineer, monitors a debris removal crew as they cut away fallen trees from power lines in preparation for power crews to begin to restore power to the area in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Army photo/Patrick Bloodgood)

LEBANON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ashley Kosmal, a Baltimore District project engineer, monitors a debris removal crew as they cut away fallen trees from power lines in preparation for power crews to begin to restore power to the area in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Army photo/Patrick Bloodgood)

LEBANON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ashley Kosmal (left), a Baltimore District project engineer, and Joe Hollshwander, a Baltimore District resident engineer, monitors a debris removal crew as they cut away fallen trees from power lines in preparation for power crews to begin to restore power to the area in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Army photo/Patrick Bloodgood)

LEBANON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ashley Kosmal (left), a Baltimore District project engineer, and Joe Hollshwander, a Baltimore District resident engineer, monitors a debris removal crew as they cut away fallen trees from power lines in preparation for power crews to begin to restore power to the area in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Army photo/Patrick Bloodgood)

BROOKLYN, New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued three mission assignments for debris removal in New York and New Jersey to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in response to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. USACE crews were deployed Nov. 5 to begin clearing storm-damaged areas.

The first two assignments for direct federal assistance came Monday requesting USACE debris experts to work with commercial contractors and local officials to clear debris in support of New York and New Jersey power companies. Additionally, USACE has integrated with state and local goverments to provide technical assistance, quality assurance inspectors and contract management expertise.

The third mission assignment is for work in New York City. There, USACE experts will assist with the removal, reduction and disposal of household and other urban debris. This includes items like white goods (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners), electronics, household hazardous waste chemicals and vehicles.

“We will use our expertise to assist other federal agencies, local and state government, and most importantly the residents of the area,” said Maj. Steve LaValle, the USACE officer directing the overall debris removal mission. “We’ll work together and ensure this mission is executed as safely and efficiently as possible.”

Maj. LaValle said USACE crews will steadily ramp up their efforts over the next week to full production.


Contact
Justin Ward
347-370-4550
justin.m.ward@usace.army.mil

Release no. 12-031