FEMA Provides Disaster Debris Hotline for State, Local Governments
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are asking state, tribal, and local officials with questions about the federal program for picking up disaster debris to call the FEMA Debris hotline. The number is 1-866-599-4832, and it is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The hotline is available to assist state and local governments with questions regarding, but not limited to, debris emergency clearance, debris pickup/haul, reduction and disposal activities, contracting and temporary debris management sites.
Environmental concerns should be addressed separately; please contact the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality at its temporary hotline number of 225-219-9919. The regular hotline is 225-219-3640 or 1-888-763-5424 for assistance.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is supporting manning of the FEMA Hotline. It is important to note that the Corps does not offer a different debris program. The Corps follows FEMA guidance per FEMA's Public Assistance Program.
For more information about Hurricane Gustav EPA activities, visit www.epa.gov/hurricane. For more information about Hurricane Gustav LDEQ activities, visit www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/.
In related news, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana David R. Dugas recently announced that the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force is reminding members of the public to report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to Hurricane Gustav.
Members of the public can report fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations through the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, the Disaster Fraud Fax at 225-334-4707, or the Disaster Fraud e-mail at [email protected]. Individuals can also report criminal activity to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or www.fbi.gov.