MDEQ Offers Emergency Debris Guidance

(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is working with officials and residents to assist with storm damage recovery and to provide guidance on proper debris management resulting from last weekend’s tornado in the Pine Belt area.  Information on emergency debris management is available at:  www.deq.state.ms.us/solidwaste.

MDEQ is currently working with local officials on damage assessment to determine the best options for debris management.  Local officials will provide information to residents on how and when storm debris will be collected and disposed.  If residents choose to initiate debris removal, including structural debris, furnishings, vegetative debris, and other bulky materials, such debris should be disposed at area solid waste management facilities (see list here:  http://bit.ly/2kdH5kN).

MDEQ reminds residents that storm debris should not be burned.  Additionally, normal household garbage should not be mixed with storm debris but disposed of through normal garbage collection services as before the storm.  MDEQ is currently evaluating whether separate collection services will be provided for household hazardous wastes.

If residents or local officials have questions or concerns about storm related debris clean up or other resulting environmental issues, please contact MDEQ Solid Waste staff at 601-961-5171.

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