DDMtPlanNovember14nosite

i Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
Disaster Debris Management Plan
Snohomish County
Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Division
Working Version – November 2014

ii Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014

iii Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
Snohomish County DepartmentofPublic Works
Solid Waste Division
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms and Definitions .......................................................................................................................................................vii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - 1 -
Purpose of the Plan ...............................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
Plan Organization ..................................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
Plan Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................- 2 -
Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................................................- 2 -
Section 1: Staff Roles and Responsibilities 5
1.1 Staffing and Organizational Chart ...................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Staffing Assignments and Duties ......................................................................................................................................9
1.4 Emergency Communications Plan ..................................................................................................................................14
1.5 Health and Safety Plan and Procedures ........................................................................................................................15
1.6 Training Schedule...............................................................................................................................................................15
Section 2: Situation and Assumptions 17
2.1 Background..........................................................................................................................................................................17
2.2 Purpose of the Plan............................................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Planning Assumptions.......................................................................................................................................................18
2.4 Design Disaster Event........................................................................................................................................................27
2.5 Forecasted Debris...............................................................................................................................................................30
Section 3: Debris Collection Plan 35
3.1 Priorities ...............................................................................................................................................................................36
3.2 Response Operations.........................................................................................................................................................37
3.3 Recovery Operations .........................................................................................................................................................38
3.4 Collection Method..............................................................................................................................................................60
3.5 Estimating Staff, Procedures, and Assignments..........................................................................................................62

iv Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
4.0 Debris Management Sites 63
4.1 Site Management...............................................................................................................................................................63
4.2 Establishment and Operations Planning.......................................................................................................................64
4.3 Environmental Monitoring Program..............................................................................................................................72
4.4 Site Closure..........................................................................................................................................................................73
5.0 Contracted Services 74
5.1 Contractors..........................................................................................................................................................................74
5.1 Emergency Contracting / Procurement Procedures ...................................................................................................77
5.2 Debris operations to be outsourced ...............................................................................................................................77
5.3 General Contract Provisions.............................................................................................................................................77
5.4 Qualification Requirements .............................................................................................................................................77
5.5 Solicitation of Contractors................................................................................................................................................78
6.0 Private Property Demolition and Debris Removal 79
6.1 Condemnation criteria and procedures.........................................................................................................................79
6.2 Mobile Home park procedures ........................................................................................................................................79
6.3 Navigation hazard removal procedures........................................................................................................................80
6.4 Dead Animal Management..............................................................................................................................................80
6.5 Human Waste .....................................................................................................................................................................80
7.0 Public Information Plan 81
7.1 Public Information Officer ................................................................................................................................................81
7.2 Pre-scripted information ..................................................................................................................................................81
7.3 Distribution Plan.................................................................................................................................................................82
List of Tables
Figure 1.1 Lead Agency Organization_____________________________________________________________________ 5
1.2 Roles and Responsibilities Summary Table _____________________________________________________________ 6
Table 2-1 Historical Declarations _______________________________________________________________________ 17
Table 2-2 Characteristics of Possible Events ______________________________________________________________ 19
Table 2.3 Historical Disaster Data_______________________________________________________________________ 29
Table 2.4 Debris Forecast Analysis ______________________________________________________________________ 31
Table 2.5 Forecast by Disaster__________________________________________________________________________ 32
Table 4.1 Primary DMS Locations _______________________________________________________________________ 66
Table 4.2 Secondary DMS Locations_____________________________________________________________________ 67
Table 4.3 Neighborhood Collection Sites _________________________________________________________________ 68
Table 4.4 Soil Monitoring ______________________________________________________________________________ 72
Table 4.5 Site Water Monitoring________________________________________________________________________ 72

v Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
Table 5.1 Certificated Haulers __________________________________________________________________________ 75
List of Appendices
Appendix A: DMS Site selection criteria
Appendix B: Maps of Temporary Debris Management Sites
APpendix C: List of Pre-qualified Contractors
Appendix D: G Certificated Hauler Service Maps
Appendix F: Health and Safety Plan
Appendix F: Form Templates
Appendix G: Animal Mortality plan
Appendix I: Medical Examiner Protocol
Appendix J: Personal Belongings Suggested Operating Guidelines

vi Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
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vii Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS
44 CFR Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations
C&D Debris ConstructionandDemolitionDebris
CEMP ComprehensiveEmergencyManagementPlan
CategoryA Reimbursementfordebrisremoval costsunderapresidential
disasterdeclaration
COOPPlan Continuityof OperationsPlan
CountyExecutive The Office of the CountyExecutive
Plan DisasterDebrisManagementPlan
DIS Departmentof InformationServices
DisasterDebris Specificallyincludesdebrisgeneratedbyanatural or man-made
catastrophicevent. Examplesinclude:Vegetation,Hazardous
Stumps,HangingLimbs,LeaningTrees,Constructionand
Demolition,HouseholdHazardousWaste,E-Waste,White
Goods, Boats, andVehicles.
DMC DebrisManagementCoordinator
DSG DisasterSpecificGuidance
EOC EmergencyOperationsCenter
SWD SnohomishCountySolidWaste Division
ESCA EmergencyServicesCoordinatingAgency
ESF EmergencySupportFunction
ESF-1 PublicWorks& Transportation(leadbySnohomishCounty
PublicWorksDepartment-Roads)
ESF-3 PublicWorks& Engineering(leadbySnohomishCountyPublic
Works Department)
ESF-7 Resource Support
ESF-14 Long TermRecovery& Mitigation(leadbySnohomishCounty
Departmentof PlanningandDevelopmentServices)
ESF-15 PublicInformation(leadbySnohomishCountyOffice of the
Executive)
FEMA Federal EmergencyManagementAgency

viii Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
FEMA 325 Debris ManagementGuide –FEMA Publication325
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FHWA – ER Program Federal HighwayAdministration –Emergency Response
Program
GIS GeographicInformationSystems
GPS Global PositioningSystem
Handbook ApplicantHandbook –FEMA Publication323
SHD SnohomishHealthDistrict
HHW Household HazardousWaste iswaste thatmeetsbasiccriteria
of explosive,corrosive,toxic,flammable,orreactive. Examples
include gasolinecans,paint,batteries, cleaningagents,pool
and lawnchemicals.
ICP IntegratedCommunicationsPlan
JFO JointFieldOffice
MOU Memorandumof Understanding
MMS ModifiedMercalli Scale
MSW Municipal SolidWaste
NRCS National Resource ConservationService
NOAA National OceanicandAtmosphericAgency
OSHA Occupational SafetyandHealthAdministration
PA Program FEMA PublicAssistance Program
PA Guide FEMA PublicAssistance Guide 322
PAO PublicAssistance Officer
Parks Departmentof Parksand Recreation
PPDR Private PropertyDebrisRemoval
PPE Personal ProtectiveEquipment
PI/E PublicInvolvementandEducation
PO Purchase Orders
PublicWorks PublicWorksDepartment
Putrescable Debris Debristhatwill decompose orrot. Examplesinclude animal
carcasses,marine waste,otherfleshyorganicmatter,etc. This
definitionexcludesvegetative debris.

ix Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
PSCA PugetSoundCleanAirAgency
PW ProjectWorksheets
QA/QC QualityAssurance/QualityControl
RCW RevisedCode of Washington
RegionX FEMA RegionX
RFB RequestforBids
RFP RequestforProposals
ROE Right-of-Entry
ROW Right-of-Way
SCC SnohomishCountyCode
SCDEM SnohomishCountyDepartmentof EmergencyManagement
SHPO State Historical PreservationOffice
StaffordAct RobertT. StaffordDisasterReliefandEmergencyAssistance Act
Stations DebrisDrop-off Stations
TDME TabletopDebrisManagement Exercise
DMS DebrisManagement Sites
UASI Urban Area SecurityInitiative
White Goods Refrigerators,ranges,freezers,washingmachines,dryers,etc.
WSDOT WashingtonState Departmentof Transportation
WUTC WashingtonUtilitiesandTransportationCommission

x Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014

- 1 - Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ThisDisasterDebrisManagementPlan(Plan) isdesignedto guide the SnohomishCounty SolidWaste Division(SWD)
duringthe debrisremoval planningandpost-eventoperations.The plan identifies tools to assist Snohomish County
DEM Citiesandthe unincorporatedareas (County) inaddressingdebrisremoval followingadebrisgeneratingevent.
The Citiesof Everett,Marysville,Lynnwood,Edmonds,Snohomish, andthe ESCA Citiesintendtoutilizethisplanwith
cost share details to be worked out going forward. The Plan incorporates a methodology that has been tested in
many regions throughout the U.S. and meets the needs of Snohomish County and its residents.
The Chief Executive of the county, upon determining that a disaster exists within Snohomish County with the
potential to affect life, property, or the public peace, may, under RCW 35.33.081 or RCW 36.40.180 and RCW
38.52.070(2) proclaim a state of emergency. The Executive may command the service and equipment of citizens
under the provisions and limitations of RCW 38.52.110 (2).
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The Plan provides a coordinated response and recovery blueprint for the County and SWD to provide for the
efficientmanagementof disasterdebris following a debris-generating event. The Plan’s purpose is the following:
1. Establishandprovide acentralizedrepositoryof informationcritical to developing and operating a disaster
debrismanagementprogram(including locationof DebrisManagementSites(DMS),site criteriaforlocating
new DMS, zone maps, road lists, etc.);
2. Identify the rules, regulations and guidelines enacted by FEMA and other agencies governing the disaster
debris removal process;
3. Establish and provide reference and contact information for key County personnel;
4. Identify the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties; and
5. Establishlanguage and a protocol for pertinent public information such as press releases and other debris
management information.
PLAN ORGANIZATION
The remainder of the Plan is detailed in seven primary sections as outlined below.
Section 1: Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Section 2: Situation and Assumptions
Section 3: Debris Collection Plan
Section 4: Debris Management Sites

Section 5: Contracted Services
Section 6: Private Property Demolition and Debris Removal
Section 7: Public Information Plan
PLAN METHODOLOGY
The SnohomishCountySWD,a divisionof the Departmentof Public Works(PublicWorks),isresponsibleforcreating
and maintainingthe informationincludedinthe Plan. ThisDisasterDebrisManagementPlanisanessential function
in the Solid Waste Division’s Continuity of Operations Plan.
The County performed the following activities to complete this plan:
 Held meetings with the County Debris Team;
 Met with haulers to discuss service expectations;
 Reviewed relevant County documents, Snohomish County Code (SCC), Washington Revised Administrative
Code(WAC) and FEMA guidance documents;
 Held one-on-one interviews with key internal staff;
 Held meetings with representatives of other participating agencies including Snohomish Health District,
Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), City of Arlington, City of Monroe, City of Everett, City of
Stanwood, City of Snohomish, King County Solid Waste, and the Snohomish County Solid Waste Advisory
Committee, and continuing planning efforts with the Urban Area Security Initiative Debris Team;
 Performed site visits and descriptions of Debris Management Sites (DMS); and
 Developed the Plan.
Snohomish County SWD staff and the Debris Management Coordinator are responsible for the review and
acceptance of the Plan. SWD has the responsibility for Plan maintenance and review. This plan has a SEPA
determination of non-significance. FEMA has reviewed and approved this plan under the SIRI pilot program for
debris operations. We used our one time 2% funding increase in 2014 during the SR 530 Mudslide Incident.
The plan followsguidelinesestablished by FEMA’s Debris Management Plan Outline. Based on our experiences in
the 2014 SR 530 Mudslide Incident,we have modifiedthe operationssectiontoinclude fouractivationlevels, in situ
depositionof cleanearthenmaterials,privatepropertydebrisremovalprocedures, Medical Examiner Protocol, and
a Personal Belongings Reunification Program operating guidelines.
DISCLAIMER
The County's support of the response to a future emergency, disaster event, or recovery process may be severely
impacted. Noguarantee of a perfectresponse orrecoverysystemisexpressed or implied by this plan. Snohomish
County can only endeavor to make every reasonable effort to respond based on the situation, information, and
resourcesavailableatthe time of the event. The ability to respond could potentially be hindered by the following:

 The normal forms of communications and utilities may be severely interrupted during the early phases of an
emergency or disaster;
 Transportation to affected areas may be cut off or delayed because of damage to roads, bridges, airports,
seaports and other transportation infrastructure;
 Following an emergency or disaster, there may be a need to provide resources, goods and services to the
affected areas;
 Fundamental resourcessuchaswater,food,firstaid,shelterandsanitation supplies, fuels, and hand tools may
be needed. SnohomishCounty does not have sufficient supplies and equipment on hand for long-term need;
 Disasterresponse andrecoverymaybe limited by the inability of the general citizenry to be self-sufficient for
more than three days without additional supplies of food, water, medical and shelter resources;
 There may be delays in all normal services such as police, fire, EMS, public works, transportation and
water/sewer and utilities response due to damage to facilities and equipment and shortages of personnel;
 There may be shortage of critical drugs and medicines at medical facilities due to limited storage capabilities;
and
 The management and logistics of resources support is highly situational and is dependent upon the event,
resource accessibility, transportation systems available, and location of vendors and suppliers.

5 Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan November2014
SECTION 1: STAFF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.1 STAFFING AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
FEMA 325 states that “the success of a Debris Management Plan is dependent upon the dedication of the
management and staff to fully vest and commit their organization to researching, planning, and implementing a
debrisremoval operationsplaneffectivelyandefficiently.” Eachdepartmentanddivision, and their associated role
in the debris management process, is described in this section of the Plan.
Figure 1.1 Agency Organization
1.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The SolidWaste Divisionhastakenthe leadinwritingthe DebrisManagementPlan. Division planners have worked
withsolidwaste operationsstaff, Departmentof EmergencyManagement, Parks, Facilities, and other Public Works
Department Divisions to develop a Debris Management Plan that is actionable and functional. Solid Waste has
included this plan in its Division Continuity of Operations Plan Essential Functions. This Plan will only be
implemented in the event of a debris generating event.

The Debris Management Staff consists of the Project Specialist IV, the GIS Business Analyst, the Manager of
Programsand Planning,andthe SeniorPlannerdevotedtothe FloodVoucherProgram. Thisgroupreviewsthisplan
for workabilityand accuracy. The Project Specialist IV ensures the most current version of the plan is available on
the Solid Waste Team site, updates the plan with new information and policies, trains employees as to the plan’s
major elements, and otherwise ensures Division plan readiness.
The remainderof thischapterisdevotedto outlining the responsibilities of each County Department as they work
with the Solid Waste Division to implement recovery plans in the event of a debris generating disaster.
1.2 Roles and Responsibilities Summary Table
Department/Division Primary Duties/Responsibilities
Lead Agency
Department of PublicWorks
Administration - Oversee SWDand provide guidance to Debris Management
Coordinator (DMC),coordinate FEMA projects ifapplicable
GIS - Provide mapping and data servicesfor the debrismanagement
activities;developdebrisforecasting
Communications - Developpressreleasesto the public regardingthe debris
removal process
Administration Operations - Maintain original copiesof timesheetsanddata
AccountsPayableServices - Coordinate contractor invoice payments
- Set-upproject billingcodesfor Countystaff
Contract Administration - Provide contract oversightfor all vendors
SolidWaste Division
Operations - Withinput from DMC, Coordinate debrisremoval operations
- Interact with FEMA response team
- Oversee debrishaulingand monitoringcontractors
AdministrativeSupport - Supervise and oversee DMCand debrisoperations
- Report to Public WorksAdministrationas necessary
Environmental Cleanup
Team
- Ensure that illegal dumpingis monitoredfollowingdebris
removal period
PlanningStaff - Maintain and Update Plan
- Update existingand locate newDMS Locations
- Schedule trainingactivitiesfor SolidWaste Staff
County Administration
CountyExecutive - Provide general oversightfor all phasesof debrisremoval
operation
- Provide informationto the publicon status of debrisremoval
operation
CountyCouncil - Authorize contracts for monitoringfirm(s) and debrishauling
contractor(s) or G CertificatedHaulersduring emergency

declarationin DEM Citiesand UnincorporatedCounty Areas
SnohomishCounty Department
of EmergencyManagement
- Operate and coordinate activitiesat the EOC
- Coordinate with SWD on updatesof debrisplanning activities
- Interact with FEMA Debris Team
Internal Coordination
Road Maintenance Division - Identifyand plan for the clearance of major arteries
throughout the County
- Conduct emergencyroadway clearance activities
Transportation and
Environmental ServicesDivision
– Traffic Operations
- Assistin providinginformation on roadway clearance
- Provide additional informationon debrisestimates
- Craft permits,coordinate with environmental services
EngineeringServices - Write,advertise,execute constructioncontracts for debris
removal
- Provide on-site support duringdebrismanagement activities
ProsecutingAttorney’sOffice - Write necessaryagreementswith agencies,propertyowners,
assist with Council actions
Department of Parks and
Recreation
- Work with SWDon a pre- and post-eventbasisfor the
selectionandoperation of potential DMS locations
- Coordinate any debrisremoval activitiesin County Parks
Finance Department
PurchasingDivision - Coordinate with SWD duringthe contractor RFP process as
applicable and allowable understate law
AccountsPayableServices - Ensure that invoicesare reconciledfor projectworksheet
development
Risk ManagementOffice - Oversee and enforce Countysafety plan and procedures;
reviewinsurance policies and contracts
Department of Information
Services
- Maintain hardware, software, and data to support debris
operations
Office of the Prosecuting
Attorney
- Provide oversightregarding the legalityof debrisremoval
activities
- Reviewcontracts, right-of-entry/holdharmless/subrogationof
insurance,and any contracts for the use of private land for
DMS locations; buildingcondemnationprogram
- Coordinate with SWD on the update of SCC
Sheriff’sDepartment - Enforce laws for the safe transportation of debrisalong County
roadways
- Acts on behalfof ME office if there are fatalities
Medical Examiner’sOffice - Lead Agency if the debris site contains victims
Planningand Development
Services
Code EnforcementDivision - Administerprivate property debrisremoval program;

implementbuildingcondemnationprogram
Officeof the CountyFire
Marshal
- Oversee reductionof debrisactivities(burning) ifallowedby
the PugetSound CleanAir Agency and otherwise ensure debris
sitesdo not pose a fire hazard
LEAD AGENCIES
The leadagenciesresponsiblefordebrismanagementwithinSnohomish County are the Public Works Department,
the Solid Waste Division, and County Administration. When the County EOC is activated and operational, the
Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (SCDEM) coordinates all preparedness, response,
recovery, logistics, and mitigation activities in accordance with the Snohomish County CEMP for DEM Cities and
unincorporated county areas.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The responsibilityforprovidingGeographicInformationSystems(GIS) support is housed within several divisions of
PublicWorks. GIS Staff in various divisions draft, update, and provide mapping services for various activities. The
GIS Business Analyst in Solid Waste coordinates with the Department of Information Services, Assessor’s Office,
PublicWorksTrafficOperations, Surface WaterManagement, and Road Maintenance for the data to populate DMS
maps, create debris estimates, and otherwise create and maintain the DMS atlas. The responsibilities of the GIS
Business Analyst include:
 Linkto current road lists with the most updated street centerline information (Roads Maintenance and Traffic
Operations);
 Maintain links to parcel maps for each property in Snohomish County (Assessor’s Office); and
 Coordination with the DMC in a private property debris removal (PPDR) program (Assessor’s Office).
The GIS BusinessAnalyst ensuresthatcurrentelectronicversionsof site mapsare maintainedonthe Division Debris
Management Team Site and that hard copies of data are maintained in the current Disaster Debris Management
Plan.
In an activation,the GISBusinessAnalystprovidessuchmapsas are necessaryto determine the scope of the debris
missionandothermapsas necessarytocraft an operational basisfor debris clearing. These maps are iterative and
change rapidly.
COMMUNICATIONS
At the request of SCDEMand the County Executive, the Public Works Director directs the Communications Unit to
develop press releases to the public regarding the debris removal process. These include, but are not limited to:
 Proper debris set-out procedures;
 Progress of the debris removal process;
 Explanation of FEMA disaster declarations;
 Deadlines for debris set-out and removal;

 Special and Hazardous Waste Collection sites;
 Locations of residential neighborhood debris drop-off stations; and
 Alternate operating procedures than the ones listed above.
The PublicWorks communications representative meets with the DMC, County Executive PIO, or other applicable
departments/divisionstoensure thatinformationregardingdebrismanagementprovidedtothe publicistimelyand
accurate. Thisincludesgeneral informationsentouttocitizensduringnormal operations aswell asinformationsent
out duringandimmediatelyafteradisaster event. The Public Information Officer sits in the Executive’s office but
coordinates with the Public Works Communication Group staff to ensure accurate information.
PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS
The Administration Operations Divisionmaintainshumanresourcesandtimekeepinginformationforthe Public
Works staff. The SWD and DMC will workwithPublicWorksAdministration whetherthe eventisFEMA
reimbursable ornot. If the eventisFEMA reimbursable, the PublicWorksAdministrationOperationswill generate a
ProjectWorksheetandauditinginformationwillbe preparedforFEMA debristeamsand/orthe Office of the
InspectorGeneral (OIG).
1.3 STAFFING ASSIGNMENTS AND DUTIES
1.3.1 ADMINISTRATION
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
The Office of the County Executive (County Executive) provides high-level oversight and coordination for debris
managementactivitiesfollowinganevent.Inaddition,throughCommunications,the CountyExecutive’PIOprovides
information to the public regarding the progress of the cleanup activities.
Operationally,the CountyExecutivecoordinateswiththe PublicWorksDirector,the DMC, andwhenoperational the
SCDEM to ensure thatthe Countyisnot exposedtopotentialnon-reimbursementforineligible activitiesinthe
interpretationof FEMA rulesandregulations.
COUNTY COUNCIL
The SnohomishCountyCouncil (County Council),perthe SnohomishCountyCode (SCC) §3.04.200 has authorization
to issue a notice-to-proceed for any debris management contractors working on behalf of the County under an
emergency declaration. The DMC coordinates with the County Council to ensure that normal or emergency
procurement rules are followed during this process.
The Council also approves the scope of the debris response, whether the County will pursue any private property
debrisremoval work,timingof the work,andotheraspects that have a financial impact on the County. The Council
also approves any inter-agency agreements and regional support requests.

1.3.2 SNOHOMISH COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
SCDEM coordinatesemergencymanagementpreparedness, response andrecoveryactivities for member Cities and
unincorporatedCountyAreas. SCDEM’sresponsibilitiesrelativetodebris management include, but are not limited
to:
 Opening and operating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC);
 Coordinating with county, state, and federal officials to request assistance, which may lead to a presidential
disaster declaration;
 Actingas the leadagencyand “clearinghouse”foremergencyresponse activities within the covered Cities and
unincorporated County;
 Working with SWD to ensure that the Plan is updated, implemented and operating smoothly; and
 Coordinating reimbursement activities on behalf of the County when disaster strikes and when a Stafford Act
declaration has been authorized.
 DEM is a strategic and response oriented department. Actual recovery work is typically performed by Public
Works and any activities that occur after the response is declared over are handled in the Public Works
structure. Thisincludesdocumentation,contracts,time sheets,permits,potential reimbursementactivities and
related tasks.
1.3.3 FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Variousserviceslive here includingBudget,AccountsPayable andRiskManagement. Thisplandependsonall of
these workunitstosuccessfullyimplementthe plan. The BudgetDivisionhelpsall departmentsbudgetfor
identifiedmitigationmeasures.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SERVICES
The Finance Department – Accounts Payable Services Unit serves as the tertiary receiver of contractor invoices.
Workinginconjunction withthe debrismonitoringfirmandthe PublicWorks - AccountsPayable Services Unit, staff
will ensure that the County’s contractors are paid in a timely fashion and that documentation for FEMA
reimbursement is maintained and available to outside agencies.
RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE
The Risk Management Office: Safety Coordinator maintains safety plans and procedures within the County. The
Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that safety plans for the County and SWD are updated and that staff are
trained in their responsibilities within the Plan. This office also reviews insurance policies for compliance, and
reviews contracts for liability and risk sharing.
PURCHASING DIVISION
The purchasing division works with public works to put out timely, compliant contract and bidding documents to
expediteresponse tothe disaster event. The purchasing division ensures these contract documents are compliant

with state and federal contract procurement requirements. This becomes more critical in the event there is a
potential for FEMA reimbursement.
1.3.4 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES
The Department of Information Services (DIS) provides Information Technology (IT) services, hardware, internet
access,and electricitytoCountyoffices. DIS also maintains databases of critical GIS information. This Department
plays a critical role in protecting and maintaining systems for use in a disaster.
1.3.5 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Public Works serves as the lead agency for all disaster debris activities. The divisions primarily responsible for
disaster debris related activities report to the Public Works Director and include Road Maintenance, Engineering
Services, Fleet Services, Solid Waste, Administration Operations, Transportation and Environmental Services
including Traffic Operations and Communications, and Surface Water Management.
ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS
Administration Operations is comprised of the Director and other support staff at the Director level. The Public
Works Directoristhe liaisontothe CountyExecutive and Council staff. Additionally, the Department has a liaison,
whenrequested,to support one or more Emergency Support Functions (ESF) in the Emergency Operations Center
(EOC). The Public Works Director coordinates with the SWD – Administration Unit and the Debris Management
Coordinator (DMC) during decision making and oversight of debris management activities following a disaster.
Administration Operations may delegate some operational responsibilities directly to the Solid Waste Division
Director following activation. Administration Operations also sets up project billing codes, develops reports for
FEMA reimbursement purposes, and otherwise manages any FEMA public assistance projects.
CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT
The Contract Administration is housed in the Administration Operations Division and is responsible for initially
receivingcontractorinvoices andcheckingthemforcompliance againstthe contract. Thisgroupalsoverifiesthatall
contractors hired are not on the “Debarred Contractor” list. Staff conducts a review of contractor invoices and
coordinateswiththe debrismonitoringfirmtoensure accuracyof invoicesandcompliance with the contract. Upon
review and acceptance of an invoice, the Contract Administration group forwards the invoice to SWD accounts
payable staff for release of payment.
1.3.6 LEGAL
The Office of the ProsecutingAttorney(ProsecutingAttorney) –Municipal Law Unitrepresentsthe Countyincivil
legal matters. The ProsecutingAttorneyreviewsinter-local andmutual aidagreements,contractswithdebris
managementfirms,andcontractsforthe use of private landfor DMS operationsonbehalf of the County. The DMC
may alsorequestlegal assistancefromthe ProsecutingAttorneyinanydisputeswithFEMA or otherreimbursement
agenciesif warranted.

1.3.7 SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS
The SWD isthe leadagencyfor debrismanagementplanning,debrissite selection and approval, staff training, plan
maintenance,andContractorsolicitationandselection.SWDfacilitatesthe development and implementation of all
phases of the debris management process, including normal operations, pre-event preparedness, post-event
response, post-event recovery, and post-event recovery assessment.
Within SWD, the Operations Unit acts as the coordinating group in charge of debris management operations. The
DMC and supporting staff are selected from the Programs and Planning group. Responsibilities of the DMC and
Operations Unit include, but are not limited to:
 Coordinating with designated County departments/divisions prior to and after the event;
 Recommending a course of action to Public Works leadership following an event;
 Actingas the Countyrepresentative indiscussionsandmeetingswith municipal jurisdictions and other entities
(i.e. utility companies, WSDOT, Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), FEMA, Tri-County UASI
Planning Group, etc.);
 Communicating with various state and federal agencies (i.e. FEMA, Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT, etc.) prior to a disaster;
 Scheduling training activities and meetings regarding the issue of debris management;
 Activatingandoverseeing WUTC Certificated companies and private monitoring firms through the duration of
the cleanup process; and
 Providing the Public Works Director with information so that he can provide the County Executive, County
Council,electedofficials, and the public with information regarding the progress of the debris removal effort.
SOLID WASTE ADMINISTRATION
The Administration Group is comprised of the Solid Waste Director and other administrative staff. The
Administrative Support Unit provides the first layer of oversight of the DMC and debris management operations.
The Administrative Support Unit may be delegated additional responsibilities by the Public Works Director upon
activation. Duringthe course of engagementthe Administration Groupreceivessituationreportsfromthe DMC and
makesdecisionsincoordinationwiththe Departmentof PublicWorksto take the most appropriate course of action
following the event.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP TEAM
The Environmental Cleanup Team is charged with the identification of ineligible debris placed in the Right of Way
(ROW) as described in FEMA 325. Ineligible debris piles are tagged by the Environmental Cleanup Team staff and
the individualsresponsibleforthe “illegaldumping”are notifiedof theirviolation. The Environmental CleanupTeam
also works closely with Communications to remind the public of deadlines for debris removal set-out dates or
closure of residentialdebris drop-off stations, to limit the amount of illegal dumping associated with the disaster.

Various other County departments and divisions will have specific duties that will assist SWD in the debris
managementprocess. A summaryof the primaryrolesandresponsibilitiesforeachdepartmentordivisionhasbeen
summarized in the following section.
1.3.8 ROAD MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Road Maintenance Divisionreports directly to the Public Works Director. The Road Maintenance Division acts
as the leadagencyto conduct the emergencyroadclearingactivitiesduringthe post-eventresponsephase following
a debris-generatingevent.The Road Maintenance Divisionwill follow theiremergencyroadclearingplanoutlined in
theirCOOPto ensure that primary arterials leading to hospitals, police and fire stations, shelters, and distribution
centers are identified and cleared as soon as possible. As those maps are updated, they will be included as an
appendix to this plan.
1.3.9 TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION - TRAFFIC OPERATIONS GROUP
The Traffic Operations Groupmaintainsinformationonroadclosuresanddebrisalongpublicrights-of-wayfollowing
debris generating events. The Traffic Operations Group coordinates with the Road Maintenance Division, Public
Works and, the SWD – Operations Unit following a disaster. The Traffic Operations Group may assist in providing
additional information regarding debris estimates during the response phase.
1.3.10 DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks) coordinates with SWD on a pre- and post-event basis for the
selection and operation of DMS locations as appropriate. Open lines of communication are maintained by both
parties to ensure that land designated as a DMS is still available in the event of a Scenario 2 – High Volume Debris
Event.
Countystaff coordinateswiththe DMCto ensure eachCountyPark issurveyed,sampled, andphotographed prior to
debris placement.
1.3.11 ENGINEERING SERVICES
Providesdamage assessmentteams,maintainsbridge lists,inter-localsforengineeringservicesforlocal cities,and
maintainsalistof bridgeswithscourpotential andotherinfrastructure elements. Thisdivisionmayalsofunctionas
constructionmanagementteaminadebrisremoval /recoverycontract. Constructioninspectorswill be taughthow
to monitordebrisprojectstoensure properdocumentationinthe eventof adeclareddisaster.
1.3.12 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
PlanningandDevelopmentServicesplaysacritical role withEngineeringServicesindeterminingbuildingssafe for
occupancyor scheduledfordemolition. Theywill alsoassistonthe damage assessmentteams. Twoworkgroupsin
particularhave importantrolestoplay,Code EnforcementDivisionandOffice of the CountyFire Marshal.

CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Code EnforcementDivisionis charged with the administration of any commercial property or private property
debris removal program. The SWD – Operations Unit coordinates with the Code Enforcement Division to ensure
that any such program is administered in accordance with the SCC and FEMA 325 guidance.
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL
The Snohomish County Fire Marshal (Fire Marshal) is responsible for providing fire and life safety services to the
citizensof unincorporated SnohomishCounty. In the event that the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) allows
open-burning or air-curtain incineration for the reduction of disaster debris, the DMC coordinates with the Fire
Marshal and/or the Snohomish County Fire District to alert them of burning activities (location and method). The
Fire Marshal and/or Fire District oversee burning operations by the County contractor.
1.3.14 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
FacilitiesManagementmaintainsSnohomishCountyFacilities. Thisdepartmentkeepsalistof potential usesof
Countypropertiesincluding DebrisManagementSites(DMS). If there are agreementswithotherdisasterrelief
agencies,suchasthe RedCross,Facilitiesmaintainscopiesof those andensuresthere isnoincompatibilitywith
desireduses.
PURCHASING DIVISION
The Facilities Management Department - Purchasing Division works with the DMC during the contractor
procurement process to ensure that Request for Proposals (RFP) abide by local and state requirements. The
PurchasingDivisionassumesthe leadrole in the development of forms and standard language, the advertisement
and notification to prospective contractors, pre-bid meetings, and contract negotiations.
1.4 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Public Works – Communications coordinates debris management messages during the normal operations phase.
Providingcitizenswithinformationregardingthe debrismanagementprocessduringthe “off season”isan effective
wayto continuallyeducate the publicaboutthe debrismanagementprocess. Because radioand television may not
be readilyavailableto the general public in the days or weeks immediately following a large event, providing this
informationinprintpriortoan emergencysituationwillgive many citizens an initial “how-to” regarding the debris
management process. Public Works - Communications and the DMC will, for member cities and unincorporated
county areas in coordination with Everett, Monroe, and ESCA cities:
 Developnewspaperadvertisements,pamphletsandCountyweb-site contentonlikelydisasterdebris protocols,
set-out schedules, and methods;
 Work with local phone book printers to include a preparedness and debris policy pull out page;
 Conduct interviews with relevant key staff on public access channels regarding the County’s disaster debris
management process; and
 Describe the process in the future.

1.5 HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN AND PROCEDURES
The purpose of thisHealthand SafetySupplementinAppendix Eisto supportthe existingCountysafetyplanand/or
proceduresfordebrisremoval activities. These are recommendedbaselinesafetyprovisions.Ultimately,healthand
safetyisthe responsibilityof the contractedpartiesinvolvedin debrisremovalactivities. Thisdocumentoutlines
some of the general stepsnecessarytoprovide asafe workenvironmentfordebrisremoval andmonitoring
employees. Inaddition,thisdocumentidentifiessome representative workhazardsandthe appropriate measures
to reduce riskof injury.
1.6 TRAINING SCHEDULE
In an efforttoensure County staff has a high familiarity with the intricacies of the Plan, the County will organize a
Tabletop Debris Management Exercise (TDME) annually. This exercise is particularly useful for County staff
unfamiliarwiththe Plan. The DMCwill invite appropriate department/division/agency points-of-contact as well as
the certificated hauler(s), monitoring firm, and non-county staff.
The TDME will focus primarilyonthe activitiesdescribedduringthe post-eventrecoveryphase of the Plan. Potential
topics and training issues to be discussed during the exercise would include:
 FEMA policies and guidance;
 Existing and proposed interlocal or mutual aid agreements with other agencies and their impact on County
operations;
 Pre-positioned contracts with heavy equipment firms, debris hauling contractor(s) (typically our local
certificated haulers) and a monitoring firm;
 Review of debris collection zones, sites, and flow patterns including haul routes;
 Use and selection of special waste collection sites;
 Use of transfer stations, drop boxes, and Moderate Risk Waste Facility (not for disaster debris);
 Review of truck requirements and certification issues;
 Process for opening and operating one or more DMS locations;
 Load ticket completion in the field; and
 Load ticket data entry and invoice reconciliation.
As theyare available andbeneficialtothe County,Countystaff takesadvantage of trainingcoursesandon-line
learningopportunitiesofferedbyorganizationssuchasthe SolidWaste Associationof NorthAmerica(SWANA) and
FEMA/EmergencyManagementInstitute (EMI).

17 Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan – Version November 2014
SECTION 2: SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS
SnohomishCountyislocated inWesternWashington. Itswesternboundarylies onthe PugetSound,betweenSkagit
Countyto the north andKingCounty(andSeattle) tothe south. Covering2,090 square miles,itisthe 13th largest
countyin Washington. SnohomishCounty’svariedtopographyrangesfromsaltwaterbeaches,rollinghillsandrich
riverbottomfarmlandsinthe westtodense forestandalpine wildernessinthe mountainouseast. More thanone-
half of the Countyismountainouswithanumberof peaksreachingelevations greaterthan 6,000 feetand
supportingglaciersandperennial snowfields. GlacierPeak,at10,541 feet,is the fifthhighestmountain inthe State.
Sixty-eightpercentof the countyisforestland,19% isrural, 8% isurban and 5% is agricultural (1993 figures)1
.
Thoughit encompassesanareagreaterthan eitherthe statesof Rhode IslandorDelaware,mostof the county’s
developmentandresidentscanbe foundalongthe narrow,westernmostPugetSoundlowlands.
2.1 BACKGROUND
The table below listsvariousdeclareddisastersthathave impactedSnohomishCountyforthe last50 years. These
eventshave guidedusinourvulnerabilityassessment.
Table 2-1 Historical Declarations
Disaster Type of Event Date Debris Types
137 Flood,Wind October-62 Vegetation
185 Flood December-64 Vegetation
196 Earthquake May-65 C&D
492 Flood December-75 Vegetation,C&D
545 Flood,Landslide December-77 C&D, Vegetation
612 Flood December-79 Animals,C&D
623 Volcano May-80 Notmuch in SnohomishCounty
784 Flood November-86 Vegetation,C&D
883 Flood November-90 Vegetation,C&D
896 Flood December-90 Vegetation,C&D
981 Wind January-93 Vegetation
1079 Flood Nov-Dec1995 Animals,C&D,Vegetation
1100 Flood Jan-Feb1996 Animals,C&D,Vegetation
1159 Ice,Wind,Snow,
Landslide,Flood
Dec 1996-Feb
1997
Animals,C&D,Vegetation
1172 Flood,Landslide March-97 Animals,C&D,Vegetation
1361 Earthquake February-01 C&D
1499 Severe Storm,Flooding November-03 Animals,C&D,Vegetation
1817 Severe Storm,Flooding January – 09 Vegetation,C&D,some animals
4168 SR 530 Mudslide March – 14 Clay,structures,HHW, Wood,animals
1 Snohomish County Profilehttp://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/County_Information/

2.2 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The Plan provides a coordinated response and recovery blueprint for the County and SWD to provide for the
efficientmanagementof disasterdebrisfollowingadebris-generatingevent. The Plan works within the framework
of Snohomish County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and its purpose is the following:
 Provide a centralized repository of information critical to developing and operating a disaster debris
managementprogram(includinglocationof DebrisManagementSites(DMS),site criteriaforlocatingnew DMS,
zone maps, road lists, etc.);
 Identifythe rules,regulationsandguidelinesenactedbyFEMA and otheragenciesgoverningthe disaster debris
removal process;
 Provide reference and contact information for key County personnel;
 Identify the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties; and
 Establish language and a protocol for pertinent public information such as press releases and other debris
management information.
2.3 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS
The Plan was developed based on several key assumptions. They are:
 Most of the County'spopulationresidesalongthe I-5 corridor with a majority of the remainder along SR 2, SR 9
or a waterway.
 The Countycontainsseveral majorriversandnumeroussmaller streams susceptible to flooding. Flooding may
inhibit emergency response by blocking key roadways.
 A major earthquake may hamper response and recovery by damaging bridges, overpasses, roadways, trans-
portation facilities, communications systems, and public safety facilities.
 The Snohomish County Hazard Inventory and Vulnerability Assessment (HIVA) is published separately and
providesadditional informationonthe potentialnatural andtechnological (human caused) hazards throughout
the county. The HIVA identifies the threat, assesses the county's vulnerability to the hazard, and provides the
basis for this plan and for county agency-specific emergency management plans and procedures.
 Each municipality has the responsibility to respond and direct operations to the disaster within their borders.
This plan assumes that each City will clear their own Rights-of-Way, stage debris into smaller, neighborhood
collectioncentersfromwhichthe Gcertificated orCitycontractedhaulers haulerswill collectthe debristomove
it to a larger County DMS.
 In a large event, with a large debris field, the County may let a construction contract to manage the debris;
particularly if it is on private property.

Table 2-2 Characteristics of Possible Events
Incident Debris Characteristics Regional
Probability
Debris
Impact
Wind Storm Primarily vegetative waste; may also include
construction/demolition materialsfromdamaged or
destroyed structures,some municipal solid wastefrom
damaged structures. Extended power outages may
resultin largeamounts of putresciblewaste from private
homes and grocery stores.
High Moderate
Flooding Construction/demolition waste, municipal solid waste,
and problem waste, includingsediment,vegetative
waste, animal carcasses,and hazardous materials
deposited on public and privateproperty. Much of the
debris from floodingevents may be considered problem
waste because of contamination from wastewater,
petroleum, or other substances.
High Moderate
Earthquake Primarily construction/demolition wasteand municipal
solid wasteintermixed with problem waste.
Moderate High
Urban, Wild-
land,and Wild-
land/Urban
Interface Fires
Burned vegetative waste, burned construction
demolition waste, and problem waste, includingash and
charred wood waste and ash-covered items. /
Moderate Low
Ice Storms Primarily vegetative waste from broken tree limbs and
branches.May also includeconstruction/demolition
waste and putresciblewastefrom extended power
outages.
Moderate Moderate
Volcano Primarily ash,mud,and ash-covered items. May also
includeconstruction/demolition waste.
Low High
Tsunami or
Seiche
Sediment and construction/demolition wastepossibly
contaminated with problem waste, including
wastewater, petroleum, or other hazardous materials.
Low Moderate
Landslides Sediments and construction/demolition wastepossibly
contaminated with problem waste.
High High
PlantDisease Variableamounts of vegetative debris that might require
special handlingasproblemwaste with specific disposal
characteristics.
Low Moderate
Animal Disease Variableamounts of putresciblewastethat might
require special handlingas problemwaste with specific
disposal instructions.
Low Moderate
Nuclear,
Chemical,or
Biological
Accident
Various amounts of contaminated soil,water,
construction/demolition waste,and/or municipal solid
waste that would require special handlingasproblem
waste with specific disposal instructions.
Low Moderate
Nuclear,
Chemical,or
Biological Attack
Various amounts of contaminated soil,water,
construction/demolition waste,and/or municipal solid
waste that would require special handlingasproblem
waste with specific disposal instructions.
Low High

2.3.1 EFFECTS OF WEATHER AND OTHER GEOLOGICAL EVENTS
Followingadebris-generatingeventcausedbyweatherorgeological events,the Countywill most likely experience
widespreadpoweroutages,impassable roadandrail conditions,strainonlandand/orcellularphone networks, and
loss of communication with key staff and private contractors. Any one of these events may affect the
implementation of the Plan following a debris-generating event.
2.3.2 DEBRIS-GENERATING EVENT
The Planhas beendevelopedinamannertoaddress multiple typesof debris-generatingscenarios includingalowto
moderate volume debris-generatingeventandahigh volume debris-generating event. This enables the County to
tailor a response according to the amount of debris generated, the severity of the event, and its location.
2.3.4 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
Duringall phasesof the debrismanagementcycle,interdepartmental coordination,multi-jurisdictional coordination,
and communication with private and public-non-profit (PNP) agencies are critical to a timely response and debris
removal effort. Coordination is an important element of effective and efficient emergency road clearing, ROW
debris removal, DMS activation and operation, FEMA documentation, and dissemination of information to the
public.
Other agencies, quasi-governmental entities, and incorporated municipalities are involved in the debris
management process. Coordination with some or all of these agencies may be necessary following a debris-
generating event and must be determined on a case-by-case basis. A brief description of each entity and their
potential role in the debris management process is described in this section.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
There are 15 school districtswithin Snohomish County that are eligible for debris removal reimbursement. These
districts include:
 Arlington  Darrington  Edmonds
 Everett  Granite Falls  Index
 Lake Stevens  Lakewood  Marysville
 Monroe  Mukilteo  Northshore
 Snohomish  Stanwood  Sultan
Each school district will be responsible for debris cleanup operations on school property, unless the City assumes
thisresponsibilityontheirbehalf. Inthatscenario, the City will make applicationforthe reimbursementof the costs
associatedwiththisdebrisremovalanddocumentdebrisgeneratedonschool districtproperty. Uponcompletionof
debrisremoval,the Citywillinvoice eachschool districtforitscontribution. If the Cities and the School Districts are
workingwiththe Countyplananda cost share plan has been negotiated and documented, the County will assume
debris responsibilities for the school districts.

FEMA REGION X
FEMA RegionX isone of the ten(10) FEMA regionsthroughoutthe UnitedStates. RegionX encompasses the states
of Washington,Oregon,AlaskaandIdaho,andcoordinateswithnumerousNative Americantribes. FEMA RegionX’s
responsibilities during a declared disaster include, but are not limited to:
 Approval of the Snohomish County Disaster Debris Management Plan;
 Communicating FEMA policy to the County;
 Technical assistance, especially during a non declared event;
 Coordination of a Joint Field Office (JFO) following a disaster; and
 Review of first appeals to Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit finding.
PORT OF EVERETT
The Port of Everett manages several large parcels of land near the waterfront in Snohomish County. The Port of
Everett may be utilized as a DMS or for staging and transport of debris material to a final disposal location if
necessary. Also, the Port maintains a navigable water hazard removal plan. They are a recent annex to the County
plan.
CITY OF EVERETT
The City of Everett is the largest City by population within Snohomish County and operates an independent
emergency management agency. Everett is responsible for emergency road clearing activities within city limits
duringthe post-eventresponse phase. Duringthe post-eventrecovery phase,Everett has authorized the County to
act on its behalf andmanage the debris removal by annex to the county’s plan. This annexation process is not yet
finalizedandall partieswill continue to work on an agreement to ensure cost sharing is allocated appropriately. In
the eventthatan agreementisfinalized,itisanticipatedthatrequestsforcountydebrismanagementassistance will
be coordinated through the county EOC. A City of Everett representative will coordinate with the DMC for
operational andreimbursementactivitiesfordebrisrelatedexpenses. Snohomish County will make application for
the reimbursement of the costs associated with this debris removal and document debris generated in each city.
Upon completionof debrisremoval,the Countywill invoice the City of Everett separately for their reimbursement
matching contribution.
EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATING AGENCY
ESCA assists its nine member cities in managing emergency response during disasters that overwhelm local
resources. Seven of the nine member cities are located in the southern portion of the County and include:
 Brier  Edmonds  Lynnwood
 Mill Creek  Mountlake Terrace  Mukilteo
 Woodway  Bothell (half)
ESCA will coordinate withthe DMCon behalf of eachof the seven jurisdictionswithinSnohomishCountyondebris
managementrelatedactivities. Itisanticipatedthatrequestsforcountydebrismanagementassistancewillbe
coordinatedthroughthe CountyEOC.Each jurisdictionmaintainsresponsibilityforemergencyroadclearing
activitieswithintheirincorporatedlimits. Theirdebriswill be managedatvariousneighborhoodcollectionsites

fromwhichthe certificated haulerswill move the segregatedmaterialtothe largerCountysites. Each Citywill be
assignedtoa Countysite;actual site will dependonaccessand availability. The Countywill bill ESCA forthe
participatingcities.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING CITIES
SnohomishCounty, through SCDEM, is responsible for emergency management activities in ten (10) incorporated
jurisdictions within the County. These cities include:
 Arlington  Darrington  Gold Bar
 Granite Falls  Index  Lake Stevens
 Marysville
 Sultan
 Snohomish  Monroe
 Stanwood
Each jurisdictionwill maintainresponsibilityfor emergency road clearing activities within their jurisdictional limits
duringthe post-eventresponse phase unless they have a separate agreement with the County Road Maintenance
Division for this service. During the post-event recovery phase, the County will assume responsibility of debris
management in all ten cities and the unincorporated County. Requests for county debris management assistance
will be coordinatedthroughthe CountyEOC.SnohomishCountywillmake applicationforthe reimbursement of the
costs associatedwiththisdebrisremoval and document debris generated in each city. Upon completion of debris
removal, the County will bill each jurisdiction for its reimbursement matching contribution.
Each jurisdiction is responsible for appointing a debris management liaison to interact with the County DMC to
coordinate collection and reimbursement activities.
STATE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION OFFICE
The State Historical PreservationOffice (SHPO) isresponsible forreviewing proposed DMS locations to ensure sites
are not located on properties of historical or archeological significance. The SHPO and DMC coordinate to review
previousownership or pre-existing historical issues at the sites. During a non-Project SEPA determination, the 15
currentlyidentifiedsites have been screened for historical and archeological significance. Park sites added to the
DMS inventory since the SEPA review have already been screened by SHPO for historical and archeological
significance.
If a selected site or if the debris field is on top of a culturally significant site, contract language will include the
following:
The projectarea potentiallycontainsarchaeological orhistorical objectsthatmayhave significancefromahistorical
or scientificstandpoint. Toprotectthese objectsfromdamage or destruction,the ContractingAgency,atits
discretionandexpense,maymonitorthe Contractor’soperations,conductvarioussitetestingandperformrecovery
and removal of suchobjectswhennecessary.
The Contractor may be requiredtoconductits operationsinamannerthat will accommodate suchactivities,
includingthe reservingof portionsof the workareafor site testing,exploratoryoperationsandrecoveryand
removal of suchobjectsas directedbythe Engineer. If suchactivitiesare performedbyconsultantsretainedbythe
ContractingAgency,the Contractorshall provide themadequateaccesstothe projectsite.

Addedworknecessarytouncover,fence,dewater,orotherwise protectorassistinsuch testing,exploratory
operations,andsalvagingof the objectsasorderedbythe Engineershall be paidbyforce account. If the discovery
and salvagingactivitiesrequire the Engineertosuspendthe Contractor’swork,anyadjustmentintime willbe
determinedbythe Engineer.
To provide acommon basisforall bidders,the ContractingAgencyhasenteredanamountforthe item
“Archaeological andHistorical Salvage”inthe Proposal tobecome apart of the total bidby the Contractor.
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
WSDOT isresponsible formaintaining “limited access” or “priority roads” within the County limits. Operations for
WSDOT activitiesare conductedthroughthe Maintenance andOperationsManagerandTrafficManagementCenter
which comprise the Emergency Operations and EOC of the WSDOT – Northwest Region. Following the event,
WSDOT – Northwest Region will coordinate with County Road Maintenance Division and City Public Works for
emergency roadway clearing activities.
WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) regulates solid waste collection in unincorporated
areas of the County. Incorporated Cities can contract for garbage service and can therefore contract for debris
hauling in the event of a disaster. A full discussion of the WUTC impact on this plan is in Chapter 5.
PUGET SOUND CLEAR AIR AGENCY
During the post-event recovery phase, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (Agency) will be involved in:
 DMS oversight: Checking that dust from trucks or reduction operations at DMS does not pose a health and
safetythreatto the County or the Cities. The Agencymayexamine fordustsuppressioncapabilities and discuss
methods to minimize contaminates in the air with the contractor.
 Demolition of Structures (Asbestos and lead-based paint): In the event that the County engages in a PPDR or
Demolitionprogram,the DMCinvolvesthe Agencytoprovide the contractor with guidance relative to asbestos
removal and disposal. The Agency possesses regulatory authority over this activity.
 Oversight and permitting of any potential air-curtain burning units (we do not expect any to be allowed).
KING COUNTY, PIERCE COUNTY, CITY OF SEATTLE AND CITY OF BELLEVUE
Kingand Pierce Counties,aswell asthe Cities of Seattle and Bellevue compose the Tri-County Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) Debris Management Strategic Planning Initiative workgroup. Snohomish County acts as the lead
agency in the Tri-County UASI Debris Management Strategic Planning Initiative. Following a disaster, the County
may coordinate with each jurisdiction on debris removal, DMS operation, or final disposal related issues.
DEBRIS HAULING
SnohomishCountywaste haulersholdaG certificate fromthe Washington Utilitiesand Transportation Commission
(WUTC) that grants that hauler an exclusive franchise for the hauling of solid waste generated in that certificate
area. Haulers and their areas are shown in Appendix D of this plan. The County is required by law to use these
haulers for disaster debris removal. Cities that activated their contract rights for solid waste hauling are not so
obligated. Since hauler rates are set by a regulatory agency, WUTC, these haulers are deemed compliant with

FEMA’s requestforpre-qualifiedcontractorsfordebris removal. In the event that the G Certificated hauler cannot
meetthe obligationsof debrisremoval intheirservice area,theyare obligatedtocontractfor services from another
firm who can. The County has requested each hauler to show the County their plans for meeting their disaster
debrisobligations and a list of pre-qualified debris contractors in the event they are unable to operate or if under
Scenario3 – HighDebrisVolume Event,the amountof debrisexceeds the capabilities of local resources. The Road
Maintenance Division will manage any right of way (ROW) work. The Solid Waste Division will manage all other
debrisremoval relatedservices.The scope of services that the WUTC certified hauler will be requested to perform
on behalf of the County include:
 Transport vegetative debris from County Rights of Way (ROW) to primary or secondary debris site for
segregation);
 Transport construction and demolition debris from ROW to a primary or secondary County DMS;
 Haul out segregated debris from neighborhood and secondary collection sites to County DMS;
 Transport segregateddebrisfrom DMSto eithera recyclingfacilityora locationfortransportto the RDC landfill;
and
 Transport commercial and private property demolition and debris.
A pre-qualified contracted tree service company may be asked to perform the following:
 ROW leaning tree and hanging limb cut work;
 ROW partially uprooted stump removal; and
 Private property leaning tree and hanging limb cut work and removal.
A pre-qualified licensed hazardous waste collection firm may be asked to provide the following:
 Freon evacuation and white goods removal and processing; and
 HHW debris separation, documentation and disposal.
A pre-qualified construction firm may be asked to provide the following:
 Screening of debris;
 Grading, chipping, in-situ deposition;
 Collection and placement into debris boxes in the ROW.
DEBRIS MONITORING FIRM (TBD)
The debris monitoring firm will be responsible for ensuring that certificated haulers are in compliance with their
contracts as well asthe hazardouswaste collectionfirms. Uponactivation ina Scenario2 (mediumvolume event)or
Scenario3 (highvolume event),the monitoringfirmdeploysstaff tosupporttruckcertification,as well as collection
and disposal monitoring functions. The monitoring firm will orient employees with operational procedures and
refreshstaff withafieldtrainingprogramon current debris removal eligibility, FEMA requirements, County debris
removal requirements, and safety procedures. Collection monitors will carefully document debris collection
information to demonstrate eligibility and ensure proper debris hauling contractor payments and FEMA

reimbursement. Responsibilities of the debris monitoring firm may include, but are not limited to, the following
activities:
 Certifying trucks prior to hauling loads, Issuing load tickets;
 Verifying the estimated amount of debris hauled to the DMS;
 Identifying HHW on the ROW and at DMS locations and ensuring that it is properly collected, segregated, and
disposed of at a licensed facility;
 Providing comprehensive program management for the debris removal and cleanup process;
 Communicating with key County personnel on a regular basis;
 Managing an extensive database for reimbursement, invoice reconciliation, and auditing purposes;
 Reviewing and reconciling contractor invoices prior to recommending payments to the County; and
 Assisting SCDEM, SWD, and Finance with the development of FEMA Project Work Sheets (PWs).
2.3.5 ACCESS TO DATA
Duringlongperiodsof time when the County is without sufficient critical resources and infrastructure, the County
reliesoncertainmanual processes to aid in the debris management process. Following an event, the County may
have limited or no access to GIS maps (DMS and list of County maintained roads), electronic recordkeeping or
timekeeping for documentation purposes, e-mail, and public information mechanisms.
DISASTER DEBRIS
Classifications of debris described in the Plan are limited to those that would be reimbursable through the FEMA
Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program and described in FEMA Publication 325. These include:
 Vegetative;  Hazardous stumps;
 Hanging limbs;  Leaning Trees;
 Construction and demolition material;  Mixed vegetative and C&D;
 Household hazardous waste (HHW);  E-Waste;
 White goods;  Seafaring vessels; and
 Vehicles.
The Plandoesnot addressthe collectionanddisposal of municipal solidwaste (MSW) following a debris-generating
event. ManagingMSW in the aftermathof a debris generatingeventisaddressedinSWD’sContinuityof Operations
(COOP) Plan. The SWD has also developed protocols for managing human remains and personal belongings
discovered in the debris field. These protocols are in the appendices.
IMPACTS ON DEBRIS GENERATION POTENTIAL
A debrisforecastscenarioisdescribedinSection 2.4,howeveritislikelythatonlypart of the total debris generated
from a disaster will be the responsibility of the County, to remove as described in Section 3. Many factors may
affecthowdebrisishandledandultimatelythe partyresponsible forremovingit. These include,butare not limited
to:

 Private insurance carried by residents and commercial businesses;
 Federal Highway Administration – Emergency Relief (FHWA – ER) program;
 Potential eligibility for reimbursement under the FEMA - PA Grant Program;
 Types of recovery programs authorized by the federal government; and
 Decisions made by County Administration.
The County recognizes that even though debris removal and transport may be the responsibility of another party,
the debrismaystill impactthe solidwaste streamincluding disposal capacities at area landfills or transfer stations.
AVAILABILITY OF DMS
The availabilityof aDMS is subjecttothe location, size, environmental conditions and permits, and severity of the
debris-generating event which may render some or all of the pre-determined sites unusable. Under these
circumstances,the Countymayneedtocoordinate withSnohomishHealth District (SHD), King County, and the City
of Seattle, or other private and public partners to identify alternative DMS locations. The County, with assistance
from the Snohomish Health District, has developed a check list for potential debris sites (see Appendix A). This
allows the Disaster Debris planners to quickly screen potential sites.
DIVERSION OF DISASTER DEBRIS
The County is committed to diverting disaster debris from the municipal solid waste stream. Following a debris-
generating event, the County will make every effort, when economically or operationally feasible, to explore all
options for recycling or beneficially utilizing disaster debris. Further, by managing debris in County via hog fuel,
concrete and asphalt crushing, and composting organic materials, recovery dollars are retained in the County
economy and dependence on rail (an identified weak link during an earthquake) is decreased ensuring recovery
costs and timelines can be managed more efficiently. The County has also had success with in-situ deposition of
cleanearthen material; particularly from a landslide event. This strategy will continue to be effective in our more
rural areasbut may notbe practical inthe urban neighborhoods.Each disaster event will require a specific plan for
managing debris as safely, environmentally, culturally, and fiscally appropriate.
DROP-BOXES VERSUS DISASTER DEBRIS DROP-OFF STATIONS
The Countycurrentlymaintains three (3) rural residential drop-boxes and three (3) urban transfer stations that are
available forresidentsandbusinesses to properly dispose of solid waste materials. The sites are a collection point
for limitedtypesof hazardous waste from homeowners including oil, antifreeze, car batteries, fluorescent lamps,
and computers. Businessesmaytake these materialsandothersto the Moderate Risk Facility (MRW) in Everett for
a fee, whereas homeowners can take all types of hazardous wastes to the MRW for free. The drop-boxes and
transferstations will not accept disaster debris. For the purposes of the Plan, specialized disaster debris drop-off
stations will be utilized for residents to properly dispose of their disaster debris including, but not limited to:
vegetative,C&D,HHW,and white goods. We anticipate the certificated haulers will resume curbside collection of
MSW as soon as roads are clear.

2.4 DESIGN DISASTER EVENT
The Countyis subjecttonatural disasterssuchas, earthquakes,high winds, ice/snow storms, and floods, as well as
regional disastersthatimpactthe rail system. Humancaused threatsare a possibilityasaresultof the County being
home to a U.S. Naval base, the Port of Everett, and Boeing aircraft manufacturing plant. The Plan addresses the
debris that may be generated by any one of these scenarios in low, medium, and high volume debris-generating
events.
2.4.1 DEBRIS FORECAST ANALYSIS
Estimatingthe quantitiesof debristhatmaybe generated by various natural or human-caused disasters provides a
complex analysis challenge. There are endlessvariables(type of event,severityof event,locationof eventetc.) that
can dramaticallyimpact the quantities of debris that may be generated by a disaster event and virtually no model
exists that can accurately estimate debris volumes. The Debris Forecast Analysis is a resource for the County and
DMC to use when planning for a debris-generating event; however its results should be tempered with an
understanding that a considerable margin of error exists.
2.4.2 EXTREMELY LOW VOLUME DEBRIS EVENT – SCENARIO 0
The extremely low volume debris event scenario (Scenario 0) is described as those higher frequency events that
have affected the County in the past. Characteristics of a Scenario 0 event may include the following:
 Resultof highlylocalized flooding,winterstorm(snow/ice),orhighwinds(between 35and 50 milesper hour) in
localized areas of the County;
 Minimum to no impact on critical resources and infrastructure or MSW system;
 Impact to rights of way, Road Maintenance Crews manage road clearing;
 DMS will not be operational, direct hauling to final disposal sites;
 Debris composition is primarily vegetative, soil and minimal C&D;
 Will not receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Category A – Debris Removal; and
 Debris generation may range between 0 – 300 tons.
DEBRIS ESTIMATE
The highestprobabilityoccurrence toaffectthe Countyisthe floodeventscenario. A flood event is represented in
the low volume debris scenario. The County maintains historical data from all flood events including volume
estimates from the 2004, 2006, and 2007 floods in which the County utilized its voucher program. Based on that
data, the Countymayexpecta minimumof 0 to 300 tons of debrisas a resultof a highlylocalized flood event in the
CountyincludingCities. The highwindevent scenariowouldlikely produce similar debris estimates, perhaps even
slightlyexceedingthose of afloodevent. A small hillsideslumpwill produce similar debris volumes; in this case the
Road Maintenance Divisionwill removethe slidematerial,dispose of it on or off site depending on conditions; and
repair the road. In the event it is a non-County road, the RMD will coordinate with WSDOT.

2.4.3 LOW VOLUME DEBRIS EVENT – SCENARIO 1
The lowvolume debriseventscenario(Scenario1) isdescribedasthose higherfrequency events that have affected
the County in the past. Characteristics of a Scenario 1 event may include the following:
 Resultof flooding,winterstorm(snow/ice),orhighwinds(between75and 95 milesper hour) in localized areas
of the County;
 May not receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Category A – Debris Removal;
 Minimum to no impact on critical resources and infrastructure or MSW system;
 DMS will most likely not be operational;
 Debris composition is primarily vegetative with some C&D; and
 Debris generation may range between 300 – 700 tons.
DEBRIS ESTIMATE
the low volume debris scenario. The County maintains historical data from all flood events including volume
estimates from the 2004, 2006, and 2007 floods in which the County utilized its voucher program. Based on that
data, the County may expect a minimum of 500 to 5,000 tons of debris as a result of a flood event throughout the
CountyincludingCities. The highwindeventscenariowouldlikely produce similar debris estimates, perhaps even
slightlyexceedingthose of afloodevent. A small hillsideslumpwill produce similar debris volumes; in this case the
Road Maintenance Divisionwill removethe slidematerial,dispose of it on or off site depending on conditions; and
repair the road. In the event it is a non-County road, the RMD will coordinate with WSDOT.
2.4.4 MEDIUM VOLUME DEBRIS EVENT – SCENARIO 2
The mediumvolume debriseventscenario (Scenario 2) is described as those less typical events that have affected
the County in the past such as the 1997 Flood Event. Characteristics of a Scenario 2 event include, but are not
limited to:
 Resultof flooding,winterstorm(snow/ice),highwinds (between 75 and 95 miles per hour) in large sections or
all of the County or a medium landslide event in a specific geographical area of the County that won’t affect a
large segment of the population but may take significant resources for response and recovery;
 May not immediately receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Category A – Debris Removal but field
estimates indicate greater than 5,000 tons of debris;
 Moderate impact on critical resources and infrastructure or MSW system;
 Centralized DMS may be operational and Cities will open neighborhood debris collection sites;
 Debris composition is primarily vegetative and soil with some C&D and animal carcasses;
 Some structural debris as well as vehicles and hazardous trees; and
 Debris generation may range between 25,000 – 35,000 cubic yards or approximately 6,000 – 7,000 tons.

DEBRIS ESTIMATE
the medium volume debris scenario. Wind shield assessment teams will drive the impacted areas and will not
implement a Scenario 2 activation unless the assessment teams can quantify 1,000 tons of debris requiring
management. A mediumsize hillside slumpwillproduce similar debris volumes; in this case the Road Maintenance
Divisionwill removethe slidematerial,dispose of it on or off site depending on conditions; and repair the road. In
the event it is a non-County road, the RMD will coordinate with WSDOT.
2.4.5 HIGH VOLUME DEBRIS EVENT – SCENARIO 3
The high volume debris event scenario (Scenario 3) is described as an infrequent event, such as a 100- or 500-year
event. This kind of event has the following characteristics:
 Resultof severe flooding,ice/snow storm, high winds (above 95 miles per hour), man-made event, significant
landslide in a residential area, or earthquake;
 Immediately receives a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Category A – Debris Removal;
 Significantimpactstopublicservicesincludingelectricity,water,communications,roadways,rail lines,andMSW
system;
 DMS will be operational;
 Debris composition may include vegetative, C&D, mixed debris, HHW, vessels and vehicles; and
 Debrisgenerationexceeds 35,000 CY and may reach several hundred thousand or even millions of cubic yards.
HISTORICAL DATA
When considering the quantities of debris that could be generated by an earthquake or other disaster that
significantlyimpactsstructures,itisimportanttoreview relevantstatisticsfromeventsof the recentpast. Research
conductedonseveral eventsoverthe past20 yearsprovidesguidance toestimatingthe impactadisastercouldhave
on Snohomish County. Table 2.3 describes several events and their estimated debris quantities or damages
sustained by the event.
Table 2.3 Historical Disaster Data
Location Disaster Estimated
Population
Impact/Debrisquantities
Los Angeles,CA Northridge
Earthquake
9,900,000
(MSA)2
7,000,000 cubicyards (CY)
25,000 dwellingsuninhabitable
7,000 buildingsseverelydamaged
2 Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Location Disaster Estimated
Population
Impact/Debrisquantities
22,000 buildingsmoderatelydamaged
Escambia
County, FL
Hurricane
Ivan
295,000 6,000,000 CY vegetative debris
1,000,000 CY C&D debris
NewYork, NY WorldTrade
Center
18,000,000
(MSA)
1,460,000 tons
San Francisco,
CA
Loma Prieta
Earthquake
1,600,000 (MSA) 414 single familyhomesdestroyed
18,000 single familyhomesdamaged
Greene County,
MO
2006 Ice
Storm
254,000 1,250,000 CY vegetative
Arlington,WA 3/22/14
Landslide
150 35 homes destroyed,9damaged,15
millioncymud,wood,structural
The population of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA is approximately 3,203,314 and includes King, Pierce and
Snohomish County. As of 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of Snohomish County is
713,600. Based on the historical disaster debris data collected, relative populations, and disaster types likely to
impact this region, the Loma Prieta Earthquake is a comparable event for planning purposes.
2.5 FORECASTED DEBRIS
DEBRIS FORECAST FORMULA
In order to develop an estimated quantity of debris that would result from a high volume debris event, a per-
household calculation can be applied to the number of households in the County. The forecasted amount of
residential debris in Snohomish County is based on the following formula for a totally destroyed household as
described in Section 6 of the FEMA 3253
:
An estimate of a one-story, single family home that is approximately 2,000 square feet (40 feet by 50 feet) is used
for thiscalculation. The followingformulaisusedto derive the estimated amount of debris for a totally destroyed
household.
40’ x 50’ x 1 x 0.20 x 1.3 = 520 cubic yards of debris
For purposesof generatingdebrisestimatesforthisPlan,we have assumedthatthe highvolume debriseventwould
be a majorearthquake impactingthe region. While the earthquake scenariohas amediumprobability of impacting
the County, it has the greatest opportunity to generate debris and affect the County and therefore will act as the
basis for the High volume debris estimate.
3 July 2007 version

CALCULATION
A combinationof relevanthistoricaldataanddebrisforecast calculations were used to develop the debris forecast
in the High volume debris event.
 The goal of the debris forecast analysis for an earthquake scenario is to provide the County with a realistic
amount of debris that could be generated by an event;
 A Level VIIorabove on the ModifiedMercalli Scale (MMS) couldpotentially cause a total loss or partial damage
to numerous single-family homes in Snohomish County; and
 The historical data from the Loma Prieta Earthquake acts as the basis for the number of homes destroyed or
partially damaged by the earthquake;
 The number of single family homes destroyed or damaged by the earthquake represents approximately 10
percent of the single family homes in Snohomish County.
 A factor of 10 percent is applied to the debris estimate for all homes sustaining partial damage.
 Table 2.4 illustrates the estimated cubic yards that could be generated from an earthquake event.
Table 2.4 Debris
Forecast Analysis
Numberof
Single Family
Homes
CY/Home Debris
Quantities(CY)
Destroyed 414 520 215,280
Damaged4
22,000 52 1,114,000
Total 1,329,280
The estimated cubic yards for an event on the size and scale of the Loma Prieta earthquake to impact Snohomish
County is approximately 1,300,000 cubic yards of debris.
4 Assumes that 10 percent of destroyed home volume.
L’ x W’ x S x 20% x VCM=___ cubic yards of debris
 L = length of building in feet;
 W = width of the building in feet;
 S = height of building expressed in stories;
 20% = Reduction factor due to airspace in a single-family home; and
 VCM= Vegetative Cover Multiplier.

2.5.1 FORECASTED TYPES
Classifications of debris described in the Plan are limited to those that would be reimbursable through the FEMA
Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program and described in FEMA Publication 325. These include:
 Vegetative  Hazardousstumps  Hanginglimbs
 Householdhazardous
waste (HHW)
 Constructionanddemolition
(C&D) material
 Mixeddebris (both
vegetative andC&D)
 LeaningTrees  E-Waste  White goods
 Seafaringvessels  Vehicles  DeadAnimals
The Plandoesnot addressthe collectionanddisposal of municipal solidwaste (MSW) following a debris-generating
event. ManagingMSW in the aftermath of a debrisgeneratingeventisaddressedinSWD’sContinuityof Operations
(COOP) Plan.
Table 2.5 Forecast by Disaster
Event Nature of Debris5
Probability in
Snohomish
County
Debris
Generation
Potential
Regional
Debris
Impact
Earthquake Damagedpersonal property,
structural buildingmaterials,charred
wood,concrete
Medium High High
Ice/Snow
Storms
Vegetativedebris Medium Moderate High
HighWinds Vegetative,constructionmaterials
fromdamagedor destroyed
structures,andpersonal property
High Low -
Moderate
Moderate
Flood Sediment,wreckage,personal
propertyandsometimeshazardous
materialsdepositedonpublicand
private property
High Low -
Moderate
Low
Human
Caused
Buildingmaterials,hazardous
substances,concrete,metals,glass,
spoiled foods,charredwood,
electrical wires,furnishings,
appliances,personal effects
Low to
Medium
Low to
Moderate
Low
5 FEMA 325

Event Nature of Debris5
Probability in
Snohomish
County
Debris
Generation
Potential
Regional
Debris
Impact
Landslide Earthenmaterial,wood,structural High Moderate
to high
Low
2.5.2 FORECASTED LOCATIONS
The debrisremoval processisdrivenby the amountof debrisgeneratedbythe event. Forthe purposesof the Plan,
the post-eventrecoveryprocesshasbeendevelopedbasedontwodebriseventscenarios:alow tomediumvolume
debriseventanda highvolume debrisevent. These descriptionsare tobe usedas a guide forthe Countyandthe
DebrisManagementCoordinatorforthe purposesof decidingthe mostappropriate course of actionfollowingsuch
an eventandshouldbe examinedona case-by-case basis. A detailedaccountof the step-by-stepactionsthe Debris
ManagementCoordinatortakesisdescribedinSection1.

SECTION 3: DEBRIS COLLECTION PLAN
The Plan is designed to be a “working document.” The Plan is reviewed and updated annually to ensure that
information presented in this Plan remains current. The activities described in the following sections are
coordinated by the DMC annually to ensure that the Plan is up to date. The DMC maintains a prioritized list of
recommendations identified by team members for better response and communication capabilities which are
attachedas appendices. Improvementsandrecommendationstothese appendicesare forwardedforconsideration
during budget discussions. The DMC changes the plan to reflect any implemented recommendations.
CONTACT LISTS
SWD is responsible for maintaining and annually updating a Debris Management Contact List. A Disaster
ManagementContactList isinAppendix A. This is a comprehensive list of county staff and departments/divisions
involved in the debris management process. The Debris Management Contact List can be used to ensure that key
staff and departments are:
 Informed of any training or meetings held in the normal operations phase;
 Called to any coordination meetings immediately following an event and in the weeks thereafter; and
 Ready with any information or deliverables that SWD needs for coordinating the debris removal operation.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY CODE
FEMA requiresthata communityfollow itslocal ordinancesshoulditengage inaspecial demolition or other private
property debris removal program. To ensure that the County has full legal authority to remove hazardous or
abandoneddisasterdebristhatposesathreat to publichealthandsafety,oris a detriment to overall public morale
and welfare,the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney will conduct a detailed legal review of its existing ordinances,
agreements, etc. Issues that may be addressed in SCC include:
 Legal authorityto remove debrisonprivate property(includingdebrisplacedalongprivate roadsaswell asmore
comprehensive Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program;
 Legal authority to condemn and demolish uninhabitable structures;
 Legal responsibility to remove abandoned vessels from navigable waterways and public property; and
 Drafting interlocal/mutual aid agreements.
In additiontoensuring that the County has the necessary legal authority for various debris removal programs, the
County’sreview will identify potential modifications that could ease the level of effort required by the County to
demonstrate to FEMA that it followed its standard policies and procedures.
DEBRIS MANAGEMENT SITES
A DMS is a locationforthe Countyto temporarilystore,reduce,segregate,and/orprocessdebrisbefore it is hauled
to itsfinal disposal site. DMSare frequentlyusedtoincrease the operational flexibilitywhenlandfill space is limited
or when the landfill is not in close proximity to the debris removal area. The County currently maintains a list of
eligible sites to use in the event of a disaster and continues to look for others. The DMC coordinates with SHD,

Parks, all Snohomish County Cities, interested stakeholders, and the GIS Business Analyst annually to identify
additional locationstobetterserve ourcitizensanddeterminewhetherexisting sites are still available. The County
and Snohomish Health District have developed a checklist of potential DMS characteristics that allow the DMC to
quicklyscreensites. The checklistincludesalistof permits,whoobtainsthe permits,monitoringrequirements,and
othernecessaryitemstoopena site andgetit operational inthe leastamountof time. Thischecklistis in Appendix
A.
INTERLOCAL/MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS
The County currently operates under an interlocal agreement between all cities for the provision of solid waste
managementservices(transferanddisposal). Aninterlocal or mutual aid agreement may be necessary specifically
for debrismanagementactivities. The interlocal agreementsoutline operational expectations and reimbursement
proceduresof eachentity. The DMC coordinateswithvariousagencies eligible for FEMA reimbursement under the
PA Grant program. Copiesof debrisrelatedinterlocal ormutual Aidagreementsare includedin Appendix G,and are
updated to reflect any changes to these agreements.
ROAD LISTS
PublicWorks - TrafficOperations Groupmaintainsacomprehensive,updatedelectronicandhardcopy list of county
and city maintained roads. A comprehensive road list helps ensure that the clean-up process is properly
documented for the purposes of:
 Payment responsibility;
 Contractor invoice reconciliation;
 FEMA reimbursement; and
 Debris removal operations on eligible roads.
The DMC continues to work with the SWD – GIS Business Analyst to develop a road list from DIS resources and
incorporate the list in the Plan.
FINAL DISPOSAL OPTIONS
Aftera careful analysisof currentlyselectedDMS,the Countyhas about7.5 M tonsof debriscapacity. Basedon
currentknownasphaltand concrete crushers,tubgrindersandotherreductionequipmentinSnohomish,a7.5 M
ton eventwouldtake about1.5 yearsto manage. Inthe eventsuchcapacityisdeemedinsufficient,alternativeswill
be discussedanddevelopedbythe recoveryteams.Landfilldisposal of the generateddebrisisconsideredthe least
desirable option.
3.1 PRIORITIES
Immediatelyfollowingamediumorlarge debrisgeneratingevent,the Planwill most likely be activated. For debris
managementpurposes,the Road Maintenance Division acts as the lead agency during the Response Phase for the
County and each independent emergency services agency will act independently from the County. This phase is
typicallycharacterizedas the period of time during which roadways are cleared of scattered debris, leaning trees,
and other obstructions to emergency response vehicles.

The County’s prioritized roadway list includes life lines to hospitals, schools, and other care facilities. After
prioritizedroadwayshave beencleared,crewsthenfocus on main arterials that are neither State nor US Highways.
Until the road prioritylist is updated, we will be using the existing Snow and Ice lists which establish priorities for
snow and ice removal on County roads.
3.2 RESPONSE OPERATIONS
The SolidWaste Divisiondoesnothave responseactivitiesinitsessential functions. Inthe PublicWorksDivision,
EngineeringServicesandRoadMaintenance have activitiesrelatedtodamage anddebrisestimatesandclearing
rightsof way.
3.2.1 PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND DEBRIS ESTIMATES
Damage assessments are necessary to determine the extent and the location of the debris. Preliminary damage
assessments will be gathered by a wide variety of entities, including but not limited to the local chapter of the
AmericanRedCross,local fire districts,numerouscountydepartments, and other related entities. Coordination of
these preliminary assessments will be the responsibility of the EOC lead for ESF-14, Long Term Recovery and
Mitigation.If possible,additional surveysbyhelicopter orsmall aircraftwill be collected in order to obtain an aerial
view of damaged areas within the County.
0BAGENCIES ENGAGED 1BRESPONSIBILITIES
SCDEM Coordinate viaESF-14preliminarydamage assessment
All participatingcities Provide Countywithdebrisestimates
Road Maintenance Division Compare critical roadswithroad clearingprioritylistsand
prepare equipmentformobilization.
3.2.2 EMERGENCY ROADWAY CLEARING ACTIVITIES
The Road Maintenance DivisionandWSDOTactivate theirrespective post-eventresponseplansandcommence with
road clearance activities. The Road Maintenance Division will follow their emergency road clearing plan, first
focusingonmajorarteries leading to shelters, hospitals, supply points, and other critical locations throughout the
County. Each jurisdictionwithin the County maintains responsibility for emergency road clearing activities within
their incorporated limits, unless assistance from the County or other agency is requested.
RoadMaintenanceDivision Emergencyroadclearinganddocumentation –Countyroads
WSDOT Emergencyroadclearing –FHWAor State Roads
All cities Emergencyroadclearing –Cityroads

3.3 RECOVERY OPERATIONS
3.3.1 POST-EVENT RECOVERY PHASE PLANNING
The DMC and support staff reviews information from the debris assessment to determine the most appropriate
debrismanagementstrategyemployedduringthe post-eventrecoveryphase. Factorsthatmay impactthisdecision
may include, but are not limited to:
 Amount and locations of generated debris;
 Type of debris generated – vegetative, C&D and/or hazardous;
 Estimated cost of the debris removal efforts;
 Availability of DMS;
 Ability of residents to self-haul to residential drop-off stations; and
 Availability of outside contractors if needed.
The DMC develops recommendations based on the evaluation of the above criteria to present to Public Works –
Administration,the CountyExecutiveandSCDEM. Followingthismeeting,the DMCwill beginplanningfor the post-
event recovery phase.
SWD – OperationsUnit Review andevaluate informationanddevelop
recommendationsforPost-eventRecovery Phase
Tri-CountyUASIPlanningGroup Informationondebrisremoval effortsinregion
PublicWorks – Administration Determine debrismanagementstrategy
CountyExecutive and/orCouncil Authorize debrismanagementstrategy
SCDEM Determine debris managementstrategy
Cities Determine debrismanagementstrategy
DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES
Public Works – Administration establishes project billing codes for documentation purposes, specific to debris
relatedactivitiesassociatedwiththe disaster. PublicWorksdisseminatesinformation regarding these billing codes
to relevant personnel.
PublicWorks –
AdministrationUnit
Create and distribute projectbillingcodesfordebrismanagementefforts
Facilities –Purchasingand
Finance
Formalize documentationpolicy,ensure timekeepingsystemmeets
needsof documentationrequirements.

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