planning for zero waste after natural disasters awma 2014 long beach, ca

Planning for Zero Waste after Planning for Zero Waste after Natural DisastersNatural Disasters

AWMA 2014AWMA 2014Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA

Maggie Clarke, Ph.D.Maggie Clarke, Ph.D.Maggie Clarke EnvironmentalMaggie Clarke Environmental

www.MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.comwww.MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.com

Status Quo – Very WastefulStatus Quo – Very Wasteful

In the past, disasters have always meant unplanned, In the past, disasters have always meant unplanned,

uncoordinated, and hasty reactions to natural and uncoordinated, and hasty reactions to natural and

manmade disasters, resulting in huge amounts of manmade disasters, resulting in huge amounts of

misallocated resources, but it doesn't have to be that misallocated resources, but it doesn't have to be that

way. way.

Zero waste principles, applied before disaster strikes, Zero waste principles, applied before disaster strikes,

can massively reduce wasted resources and save can massively reduce wasted resources and save

lives.lives.

MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.comMaggieClarkeEnvironmental.com 22

Prevention is always better than RemediationPrevention is always better than Remediation

Prevention is the most effective way to manage a disaster. Prevention is the most effective way to manage a disaster. Need to be prepared before it happens. Need to be prepared before it happens.

Imagine if there were no people or buildings in flood zones, Imagine if there were no people or buildings in flood zones, what Sandy’s impact would have been.what Sandy’s impact would have been.

Must understand the science of natural disasters. Know Must understand the science of natural disasters. Know which areas are most susceptible to natural disasters. which areas are most susceptible to natural disasters. Study disaster frequency trends. Study disaster frequency trends.

Create a plan to remove people and structures from harm’s Create a plan to remove people and structures from harm’s way way beforebefore the next disaster. Create a plan to reuse, recycle the next disaster. Create a plan to reuse, recycle and compost as much as possible.and compost as much as possible.


Types of DisasterTypes of DisasterFloodingFlooding– Coastal (storm – wave driven, tsunami)Coastal (storm – wave driven, tsunami)– Inland (river)Inland (river)

Wind (hurricane, tornado)Wind (hurricane, tornado)– (intensity and duration govern impact)(intensity and duration govern impact)

Fire Fire – Forest/brush firesForest/brush fires– Urban building firesUrban building fires

Widescale building collapse Widescale building collapse – (Earthquake, WTC)(Earthquake, WTC)


Force of Surging WaterForce of Surging Water

A single cubic yard of water, weighs nearly a A single cubic yard of water, weighs nearly a ton and has great destructive force.ton and has great destructive force.

Storm surge of Sandy was 14 feet in places.Storm surge of Sandy was 14 feet in places.

Yet Sandy did not make a direct hit on NYC Yet Sandy did not make a direct hit on NYC (it hit near Atlantic City). Winds were not (it hit near Atlantic City). Winds were not hurricane force (75 mph) even near its center.hurricane force (75 mph) even near its center.

Far worse storms are possible (Phillipines Far worse storms are possible (Phillipines 2013 typhoon was 195 mph sustained).2013 typhoon was 195 mph sustained).


Flooding is getting worseFlooding is getting worse

FEMA is updating its flood maps, initially done in FEMA is updating its flood maps, initially done in the 1960s-1970s. the 1960s-1970s.

Development is Increasing Flood Risk.Development is Increasing Flood Risk.o Buildings, parking lots, etc cause floods to be worse because of Buildings, parking lots, etc cause floods to be worse because of

reduced inflitration and being forced between buildings. So reduced inflitration and being forced between buildings. So floodwaters extend further, higher, more often.floodwaters extend further, higher, more often.

Climate change is increasing Flood Risk.Climate change is increasing Flood Risk.– Intensity of storms is increasing (e.g., 100-year storm events are Intensity of storms is increasing (e.g., 100-year storm events are

happening more frequently than expected)happening more frequently than expected)– Sea Level is rising due to glacier melt and thermal expansionSea Level is rising due to glacier melt and thermal expansion


Impact of urban development on floodingImpact of urban development on flooding


Sea Level Rising FasterSea Level Rising FasterBased on readings over 75 years at 8 tidal gauges stretching along the entire Based on readings over 75 years at 8 tidal gauges stretching along the entire East Coast, the rate of sea level rise began to accelerate in 1987 at points north East Coast, the rate of sea level rise began to accelerate in 1987 at points north of Norfolk, Va. reversing previous trend.of Norfolk, Va. reversing previous trend.

If the acceleration continues at this rate — something that is not certain at this If the acceleration continues at this rate — something that is not certain at this point — Boston will see 27 inches of sea-level rise by 2050, New York will see point — Boston will see 27 inches of sea-level rise by 2050, New York will see 20 inches and Norfolk will see 24 inches.20 inches and Norfolk will see 24 inches.

John D. Boon (John D. Boon (20122012) Evidence of Sea Level Acceleration at U.S. and Canadian Tide Stations, Atlantic Coast, North America. Journal of ) Evidence of Sea Level Acceleration at U.S. and Canadian Tide Stations, Atlantic Coast, North America. Journal of Coastal Research: Volume 28, Issue 6: pp. 1437 – 1445.Coastal Research: Volume 28, Issue 6: pp. 1437 – 1445.

Reason for increase is that slowing Gulf Stream (due to melting of Greenland Reason for increase is that slowing Gulf Stream (due to melting of Greenland glacier thereby making north Atlantic less saline, less heavy, so less propulsion glacier thereby making north Atlantic less saline, less heavy, so less propulsion of the global ocean conveyor) is not pulling water away from Northeast coast as of the global ocean conveyor) is not pulling water away from Northeast coast as it used to.it used to.

Ezer, T., L. P. Atkinson, W. B. Corlett and J. L. Blanco (2013), Gulf Stream's induced sea level rise and variability along the U.S. mid-Ezer, T., L. P. Atkinson, W. B. Corlett and J. L. Blanco (2013), Gulf Stream's induced sea level rise and variability along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast, J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 118, 685–697, doi:10.1002/jgrc.20091.Atlantic coast, J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 118, 685–697, doi:10.1002/jgrc.20091.


Billion Dollar Weather Events on the RiseBillion Dollar Weather Events on the Rise


Ill-Advised DevelopmentIll-Advised Development


Climate-related and Geophysical disastersClimate-related and Geophysical disasters and Economic Damage and Economic Damage

Image below courtesy of EM-DAT International Disaster Database, Center for Research Image below courtesy of EM-DAT International Disaster Database, Center for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters, University of Louvain.on Epidemiology of Disasters, University of Louvain.


IPCC Predicted increase IPCC Predicted increase in precipitationin precipitation


UNEP recommendationsUNEP recommendations1. Pre-planning activities.1. Pre-planning activities.

2. Ensuring governmental coordination.2. Ensuring governmental coordination.

3. Identifying likely waste and debris types.3. Identifying likely waste and debris types.

4. Forecasting amounts of waste and debris.4. Forecasting amounts of waste and debris.

5. Listing applicable national, and local 5. Listing applicable national, and local environmental regulations.environmental regulations.

6. Preparing an inventory of current capacity 6. Preparing an inventory of current capacity for waste and debris management andfor waste and debris management and

Source: UNEP. Annex XII. Disaster waste management contingency pla nning. Source: UNEP. Annex XII. Disaster waste management contingency pla nning. https://ochanet.unocha.org/p/Documents/DWMG_Annex%20XII.pdfhttps://ochanet.unocha.org/p/Documents/DWMG_Annex%20XII.pdf


UNEP continuedUNEP continued

6b. Determining waste and debris tracking 6b. Determining waste and debris tracking mechanisms. mechanisms.

7. Pre-selecting temporary waste and 7. Pre-selecting temporary waste and debris storage sites.debris storage sites.

8. Identifying equipment and 8. Identifying equipment and administrative needs.administrative needs.

10. Developing a communications plan.10. Developing a communications plan.

11. Creating a disaster debris 11. Creating a disaster debris preventionprevention strategy.strategy.


UNEP continuedUNEP continued

12. Creating a debris removal strategy.12. Creating a debris removal strategy.

13. Identifying harmful materials and 13. Identifying harmful materials and preparing preparing hazardous waste management hazardous waste management recommendations.recommendations.

14. Researching 14. Researching recyclingrecycling options. options.

15. Researching waste-to-energy options.15. Researching waste-to-energy options.

16. Evaluating disposal options.16. Evaluating disposal options.

17. Evaluating open burning options.17. Evaluating open burning options.


Zero Waste Objectives Regarding DisastersZero Waste Objectives Regarding Disasters

Prevent Generation of Disaster WastePrevent Generation of Disaster Waste

Maximize Reuse, Recycling, and Maximize Reuse, Recycling, and CompostingComposting

Minimize Disposal and ExportMinimize Disposal and Export


History of SolutionsHistory of Solutions

1917-1965 – Flood Control Measures1917-1965 – Flood Control Measures– In response to disasters in Florida and TexasIn response to disasters in Florida and Texas

1966-1992 – Regulations and Insurance1966-1992 – Regulations and Insurance

1993- Buyouts and Avoiding new development1993- Buyouts and Avoiding new developmentAfter Andrew and the 1993 floodsAfter Andrew and the 1993 floods

But neither buyouts nor avoiding new development have But neither buyouts nor avoiding new development have been used that muchbeen used that much

Disaster Aid – Undercuts all of this. People expect Disaster Aid – Undercuts all of this. People expect government help, and don’t want to move. No government help, and don’t want to move. No politician is brave enough to fix this.politician is brave enough to fix this.


The FEMA follyThe FEMA folly

Disaster Aid is very costly, so FEMA / National Disaster Aid is very costly, so FEMA / National Flood Insurance Program was created (Flood Flood Insurance Program was created (Flood Insurance / Flood maps) so that Feds could get Insurance / Flood maps) so that Feds could get somesome $ back $ back

This led to a false sense of security with FEMA’s This led to a false sense of security with FEMA’s “floodproofing” measures.“floodproofing” measures.

These encouraged more development in flood These encouraged more development in flood zones that banks would not have insured.zones that banks would not have insured.


FEMA policy encourages bad decisionsFEMA policy encourages bad decisions

““You can take advantage of grandfathering by You can take advantage of grandfathering by buying a policy before the new maps (known as buying a policy before the new maps (known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs) take Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs) take effect. Homes and businesses may qualify for effect. Homes and businesses may qualify for the low-cost Preferred Risk Policy, with the low-cost Preferred Risk Policy, with premiums starting as low as $129 for a home premiums starting as low as $129 for a home and its contents and $643 for a commercial and its contents and $643 for a commercial building and its contents.* ”building and its contents.* ”

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/grandfathering.jsphttp://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/grandfathering.jsp


What to do now?What to do now?

Waste Prevention would dictate not to Waste Prevention would dictate not to build anything close to flood zones.build anything close to flood zones.

This requires local zoning changesThis requires local zoning changes

Because of increased sea level, increased Because of increased sea level, increased development, and increased variability of development, and increased variability of storms, an even larger buffer is advisable.storms, an even larger buffer is advisable.

Increase flood insurance premiums in high Increase flood insurance premiums in high risk areasrisk areas


PreventionPrevention

Planning for disasters (writing plans, research to Planning for disasters (writing plans, research to understand disaster impacts - location, severity), understand disaster impacts - location, severity),

Prepositioning assets (both for protection Prepositioning assets (both for protection against disaster and for recovery from disaster), against disaster and for recovery from disaster),

Retrofitting to secure roofs, prevent flimsy Retrofitting to secure roofs, prevent flimsy structuresstructures

"Don't Build It There" - zoning "Don't Build It There" - zoning

Buyouts – to stop the vicious cycleBuyouts – to stop the vicious cycle

Education of the Public not to send clothing etc.Education of the Public not to send clothing etc.


Government BuyoutsGovernment Buyouts

1993 – Mississippi River flood started buyout 1993 – Mississippi River flood started buyout program. Moved a whole town out of the program. Moved a whole town out of the floodplain.floodplain.

Sandy – NYS buyouts have been voluntary. Sandy – NYS buyouts have been voluntary. Mandatory buyouts would return land to natural Mandatory buyouts would return land to natural state / parkland faster.state / parkland faster.

But people want to rebuild, don’t want to leave.But people want to rebuild, don’t want to leave.

Rebuilding, particularly at government expense, Rebuilding, particularly at government expense, guarantees a later problemguarantees a later problem


Failure to relocate mobile assetsFailure to relocate mobile assets


After Hurricane Sandy

After Hurricane Katrina

After Hurricane Andrew

ReuseReuse

Plan for how to reuse building materials – how to Plan for how to reuse building materials – how to know which ones are safe to use, keeping mold know which ones are safe to use, keeping mold away, away,

How to employ deconstruction after a disaster, How to employ deconstruction after a disaster,

How and where to collect items that need repair How and where to collect items that need repair and get them repaired.and get them repaired.

Reuse window protections (e.g. shutters) rather Reuse window protections (e.g. shutters) rather than buying plywood for each storm.than buying plywood for each storm.


RecyclingRecycling

Plan for sorting materials for collection (e.g. Plan for sorting materials for collection (e.g. metals from buildings - pipe, siding, white goods, metals from buildings - pipe, siding, white goods, etc), textiles, etc. etc), textiles, etc.

Arrange for MRF capacity, labor, transportationArrange for MRF capacity, labor, transportation

Plan for Execution of sorting / marketsPlan for Execution of sorting / markets


CompostingComposting

Part of any Disaster Waste plan is to salvage Part of any Disaster Waste plan is to salvage wood from downed trees and buildings.wood from downed trees and buildings.

Some wood from buildings can be reusedSome wood from buildings can be reused

Unpainted wood from buildings can be Unpainted wood from buildings can be compostedcomposted

Need to arrange for prepositioning of sufficient Need to arrange for prepositioning of sufficient wood chippers, windrow space, labor, etc. wood chippers, windrow space, labor, etc.

Need to determine, in advance, sites for staging Need to determine, in advance, sites for staging areas, pre-planning of trucks, crewsareas, pre-planning of trucks, crews


Elements of Good Disaster Waste Elements of Good Disaster Waste Prevention Pre-planningPrevention Pre-planning

Must have Knowledge of Risk / Danger – Must have Knowledge of Risk / Danger – not just by scientists, but by everybodynot just by scientists, but by everybody

Municipal zoning, strong building codes to Municipal zoning, strong building codes to prevent unwise buildingprevent unwise building

How to motivate the Public to make How to motivate the Public to make prudent decisions regarding not building prudent decisions regarding not building in, or post-disaster, moving homes and in, or post-disaster, moving homes and businesses from flood zones?businesses from flood zones?


Lessons on Building post Hurricane AndrewLessons on Building post Hurricane Andrew

Category 5 Hurricane Andrew damaged or destroyed Category 5 Hurricane Andrew damaged or destroyed more than 125,000 Florida homes in south Miami-more than 125,000 Florida homes in south Miami-Dade County, the destruction was born from a mix of Dade County, the destruction was born from a mix of 165 mph winds, outdated building codes, shoddy 165 mph winds, outdated building codes, shoddy construction and poor inspection practices.construction and poor inspection practices.

New state building code was tested during the 2004 New state building code was tested during the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes and is still being adjusted and and 2005 hurricanes and is still being adjusted and researched today.researched today.

But how many other states are learning?But how many other states are learning?


Warnings before SandyWarnings before SandyResearch by Princeton in 2005 –- found that Research by Princeton in 2005 –- found that New Jersey’s New Jersey’s rapid population growth in coastal counties was setting the rapid population growth in coastal counties was setting the scenescene for monumental environmental damage and for monumental environmental damage and property loss. property loss. The report argued that much of the hazards The report argued that much of the hazards were man-made, and predictable (and avoidable).were man-made, and predictable (and avoidable).

One 2010 study by geologist Alan Benimoff found that One 2010 study by geologist Alan Benimoff found that Staten Island sat in the "bull's eye" for a storm surge in Staten Island sat in the "bull's eye" for a storm surge in New York harbor. Development had intensified that threat, New York harbor. Development had intensified that threat, as landscapes that once served as natural storm buffers as landscapes that once served as natural storm buffers were paved over and populated. were paved over and populated. https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010NE/finalprogram/abstract_169194.htmhttps://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010NE/finalprogram/abstract_169194.htm


Existing Disaster planning guidanceExisting Disaster planning guidance

Disaster guidance from governments and Disaster guidance from governments and disaster debris planning focus on post-disaster debris planning focus on post-disaster, not on prevention of waste.disaster, not on prevention of waste.

California’s guidance has some on non-California’s guidance has some on non-disposal alternatives; little on preventiondisposal alternatives; little on preventionhttp://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/Documents/LocalAsst%5C31097006.pdfhttp://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/Documents/LocalAsst%5C31097006.pdf


Real Estate Developers In ChargeReal Estate Developers In Charge

While academics and scientists have known While academics and scientists have known about the dangers, nothing happens on a policy about the dangers, nothing happens on a policy or legislative level.or legislative level.

““On Staten Island, developers built more than On Staten Island, developers built more than 2,700 mostly residential structures in coastal 2,700 mostly residential structures in coastal areas at extreme risk of storm surge flooding areas at extreme risk of storm surge flooding between 1980 and 2008, with the approval of between 1980 and 2008, with the approval of city planning and zoning authorities.”city planning and zoning authorities.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-damage_n_2114525.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-damage_n_2114525.html


New York City’s responseNew York City’s response

““As a part of our long-term sustainability As a part of our long-term sustainability initiative, PlaNYC, and our extensive initiative, PlaNYC, and our extensive climate change work, the City is reviewing climate change work, the City is reviewing both its building and zoning codes to both its building and zoning codes to better prepare for weather events and is better prepare for weather events and is continuing to develop measures that lower continuing to develop measures that lower our risk and mitigate the impact of climate our risk and mitigate the impact of climate change.”change.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-damage_n_2114525.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-damage_n_2114525.html


Pre-Pre-Sandy Sandy NYC NYC

maps – maps – (evacuation (evacuation

orders orders given 1 day given 1 day

before before storm)storm)


Post Post Sandy Sandy maps maps ––

More More informative informative map, but map, but

there are so there are so many many

structures to structures to get out of get out of

harm’s way!harm’s way!MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.comMaggieClarkeEnvironmental.com 3434

Real Solutions – Get Out of the WayReal Solutions – Get Out of the Way

Zoning – To prevent new development. This amounts to “a Zoning – To prevent new development. This amounts to “a taking”, but we must do this.taking”, but we must do this.

Buyouts – Use these wherever buildings are in floodplains. Buyouts – Use these wherever buildings are in floodplains. Start now, not only Start now, not only afterafter disasters. disasters.

Plan: Schedule and strategize for moving structures off Plan: Schedule and strategize for moving structures off barrier islands and from wetland areas. barrier islands and from wetland areas.

Enact Stringent building codes Enact Stringent building codes

Pre-position mobile assets out of harm’s way – lesson still Pre-position mobile assets out of harm’s way – lesson still not learnednot learned

Pre-position / plan for debris collection, sorting, reuse Pre-position / plan for debris collection, sorting, reuse outlets, recycling, wood chipping, and composting capacity outlets, recycling, wood chipping, and composting capacity – labor, capacity.– labor, capacity.


ConclusionsConclusions

Despite scientific consensus, warnings, climate Despite scientific consensus, warnings, climate change exacerbations,change exacerbations,

Despite flood insurance, the few government Despite flood insurance, the few government buyouts and regulationsbuyouts and regulations

Flood Risk is rising and we are still unpreparedFlood Risk is rising and we are still unprepared

We are allowing real estate developers to build, We are allowing real estate developers to build, and emotional residents to rebuild, continuing and emotional residents to rebuild, continuing the dangerous and expensive cycle.the dangerous and expensive cycle.


Maggie Clarke, Ph.D.Maggie Clarke, Ph.D.Zero waste plannerZero waste planner

llMaggie Clarke EnvironmentalMaggie Clarke Environmental

1795 Riverside Drive, #5F1795 Riverside Drive, #5F

New York, NY 10034New York, NY 10034

212-567-8272212-567-8272

www.MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.comwww.MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.com

[email protected]@hunter.cuny.eduMaggieClarkeEnvironmental.comMaggieClarkeEnvironmental.com 3737

planning for zero waste after natural disasters awma 2014 long beach, ca

Documents

flood risk

science of natural disasters

natural disastersawma

manmade disasters

flood zones

rate of sea level rise

flood maps

expectedsea level