EXEMPLARY PRACTICES IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Earthquake Debris Collection Program
Program Description: Simi's Earthquake Debris Collection Program was a model of local government working in partnership with a variety of private sector entities to provide residents with a much-needed disaster response immediately following the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Although developed during an emergency, the program fulfilled its goals of providing a free, safe, and convenient manner in which to dispose of earthquake-related debris; to be cost-effective; and to recycle as much as possible. Residents were informed of the program through regular press releases, cable television, and fliers. Debris was removed daily, and dust was controlled by having a water truck always on site. More than 87 percent of the 95,100 tons of earthquake debris collected was recycled. The city used experts in debris collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal. The secured site prevented illegal dumping of hazardous materials and nonearthquake debris. There was no blight on the streets or potential for accidents and liability from curbside collection, where debris might not be removed for months.
The program did not handle hazardous waste. Hazardous materials were disposed of through several household hazardous waste collection events held in Simi Valley from January 1994 through June 1995. The county sponsored an event immediately after the earthquake and the city sponsored events in June 1994, October 1994, and June 1995. Recyclable-only household hazardous waste also was collected each Saturday beginning in March 1994 at the city's permanent collection site.
Evaluation Information: The average cost-per-ton of debris removal for this program was $26.26. This figure was arrived at by dividing the total cost of the program (including recycling and landfill disposal costs, hauler collection costs per the city rate schedule, city and hauler personnel costs, and site maintenance costs such as dust control, signs, and portable toilet services) by the total number of tons collected by the program. Another curbside debris collection program cost $77.39 per ton, according to Northridge Earthquake Response Effort, a report from the city of Los Angeles.
Annual Budget: The total cost of the program from January 1994 through June 1995 was approximately $2,500,000.
Sources of Funding: FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services.
Program Type: Earthquake debris removal.
Target Population: Simi Valley residents.
Setting: Urban.
Project Startup Date: 1994.
Contact:
Laura Herron
Assistant City Manager
City of Simi Valley
2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063-2199
Tel: 805-583-6701
Fax: 805-526-2489
Last Modified: Thursday, 30-Mar-2006 09:45:36 EST