Guidance on debris removal after fires and floods
The state, in partnership with federal agencies, is still offering full-service debris removal for private property owners affected by the fires and floods in Lincoln County. This service is provided at no cost to property owners and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun Phase 1 of the program’s process.
“We know that in addition to all the time and effort that is needed to clean up after these disasters, there are hazards involved,” said DHSEM State Director Ali Rye. “We want to make sure people have the option to get this work done by experienced professionals who can safely and thoroughly remove the debris left behind, at no cost to them.”
The state’s debris removal program includes two phases. Phase one brings the EPA onto the property to identify and remove all household hazardous waste. During Phase 2, the rest of the debris is removed. Residents have the option to sign up for Phase 1 only, or both.
EPA is assessing and removing accessible Household Hazardous Waste and bulk asbestos from properties for which we have received a validated Right-of-Entry form. For up-to-date information on EPA’s response work, please visit the EPA’s South Fork and Salt fires website.
Residents can sign up in person with a New Mexico Disaster Case Manager located at Disaster Recovery and Resource Center or visit our website to download the Right of Entry form, fill it out, and email it to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov
Those who decide to remove debris themselves are asked to fill out an Opt-Out form. Guidance on how to safely clear property of debris for residents and contactors hired for debris removal is available on our website. Those who choose this option should take the following precautions when sifting through and removing the debris:
- Avoid disturbing debris or kicking up ash.
- NIOSH-certified air-purifying respirator masks are highly recommended. A mask rated N-95 is more effective at blocking particles from ash.
- Wear gloves, long shirts and pants, safety eyewear, and other clothing.
- It’s best to change shoes and clothing as soon as you are off-site to avoid contaminating your vehicle, your home, or other non-contaminated areas.
- Even with protective clothing and respirators, children should not be exposed to wildfire ash or debris.
Property owners are advised not to begin debris removal until necessary inspections or documentation of the damage have occurred. Before taking the debris to landfills for disposal, identify and separate different types of debris, and reach out to the landfill before going for any special instructions. Landfills and the types of debris they have been approved to receive are listed here.
The state’s full-service debris removal program is fully funded through state and federal resources. Residents who sign up for the program will not be asked for any payment for assessment or debris removal service. FEMA will never call and ask for payment for any service or assistance. Report suspicious activity of this kind to your local police department, the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-223-0814, or the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Section in New Mexico: nmag.gov/consumer-protection-1.aspx or submit a complaint by visiting the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General’s (nmag.gov) page: secure.nmag.gov/ecs. You can also report the suspected fraud to the Better Business Bureau at (505) 346-0110 or visit bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-new-mexico-and-southwest-colorado.