Flood Debris Clean-up

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Boulder County experienced an historic flood in September 2013 resulting in massive debris deposition on roadways, in streams, and on public and private property. The county quickly began clean-up of flood debris including household waste, sediment, and vegetation. Local streams convey important municipal and agricultural water. Streams also provide habitat for wildlife and plant species including the federally threatened Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. Boulder County successfully persuaded FEMA to fund high hazard debris removal from our area creeks, which is considered private property in Boulder County. High hazard was defined as debris which posed an imminent threat to life or property. FEMA had never before funded widespread hazardous debris removal on private property. The debris removal project required collaboration with four federal agencies (FEMA, NRCS, USFWS and USACE), the towns of Lyons and Jamestown, contractors, and nearly 1,000 private property owners. The county successfully removed approximately 100,000 tons of debris, and diverted nearly 40 percent of debris from the landfill through recycling, reuse, and composting. Debris removal efforts began almost immediately following the flood and were completed in approximately 10 months, though about 80 percent of the high hazard debris removal from creeks was completed in March and April of 2014, with dozens of crews mobilizing as soon as approval was granted by FEMA, in order to beat spring runoff which typically hits the peak in May. The project helped protect habitat for three federally listed threatened plant and animal species. This program provided the highest level of public service by prioritizing the life and safety of the people in Boulder County while minimizing the environmental impact.