Disaster Recovery Group and Tree Service, Inc

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Mobilization

Immediate mobilization is begun upon receipt of notification that the contract has been awarded to DRG.  Work plans are developed and all necessary permits, licenses and requirements are obtained.  DRG maintains a date base of reputable subcontractors.  These subcontractors are immediately notified and have a proven record of twelve to twenty-four hour mobilization.  Therefore, DRG can be functioning at the work site between twelve to twenty-four hours from notification.

Field Operations

DRG maintains a mobile office that is transported to the work site at the time of mobilization.  This office houses computers, fax machines, copiers, a satellite phone and all other office supplies necessary for efficient office operation.  In addition, all field staff members are  provided cell phones.

The Field Operation Manager is responsible for dividing the work site into zones.  The Area Operations Manager coordinates sub-contractor assignments and work progress in all the zones.  The Zone Operation Manager is on site within his assigned zone to ensure satisfactory progress is made each day by the sub-contractors.  Large areas may require DRG to use an appropriate number of Field Supervisors to ensure that each subcontractor is performing within the designated and approved guidelines established in the contract.

 At the end of each day supervisors provide the Area Operations Manager with documentation of the work performed.  The Area Operations Managers compile this data and meet with the Field Operation Manager to review the work performed and to compile work schedules for the next day.  This ensures a steady and organized work flow.  All completed work data is processed by the office staff on a daily basis; therefore, any required daily reports will be produced.

DEBRIS MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

This consists of debris inspection and segregation, collection, transportation, processing and final disposition.  DRG will avoid interference with other disaster response and recovery activities of federal, state and local governments as well as agencies and public utilities.

Debris Collection and Processing

Crew mobilization will begin within twenty four hours of awarded contract and will be fully functional with the first ninety six hours.  Crews are capable of collecting approximately 700 cubic yards per day.  Crews generally consist of one to two dump trucks, a knuckle-boom loader, a bobcat, two flag persons, one foreman, one Field Superintendent with pickup truck and cell phone over three crews.  Bucket trucks are assigned to crews as needed for trimming branches two inches or larger.  Other equipment is assigned as needed.

Operations will be during daylight hours up to twelve hours per day seven days per week unless otherwise directed or restricted.  Crews and equipment will be assigned in order to process the minimum amount of debris on a daily basis calculated to be necessary in order to complete all work within the specified performance period.  Requirements for multiple passes will be considered when determining the necessary number of crews necessary to perform the work.

Debris processing may include air curtain incinerators (burn pits) and/or tub or horizontal grinders.  DRG will maintain a daily processing rate to prevent stockpiling debris.  Grinding and/or burning operations will continue twenty four hours per day seven days per week unless otherwise directed or restricted.  Upon completion, ash will be soaked with water and hauled to the designated disposal site.  Wood chips or mulch will be hauled to a designated site and may be used for landscape purposes, erosion control or as an alternative fuel source.

Tree Trimming

All tree trimming will adhere to the National Arborists Association.  Tree trimming consists of trimming broken or hanging limbs within the right of way two inches or larger, debris clean up and transporting debris to the reduction site.  Each crew will have two trained flag persons stationed at each end of the site.  Additional signage may also be used as required by local law enforcement agencies.

Debris Loading

DRG personnel will inspect hauling trucks prior to use.  This includes truck identification documentation, insurance, safety requirements, and measured cubic yards capacity. A unique approval number and cubic yard capacity is posted on the truck. Debris is loaded on the trucks with either a knuckleboom loader or a wheel loader.  Trucks line up in single file to the rear of the loader.  They will be stationed to the side of the roadway so they will not obstruct traffic flow.  A bobcat or front-end loader will work ahead of the loader.  Personnel will not be permitted to approach the knuckleboom within fifty feet with acknowledgement by the operator.  No personnel are allowed to stand behind or on either side of any given truck while it is being loaded.  It is the responsibility of the Field Supervisor to determine the safe zone.    Flag persons will be stationed at each end of the work site and will be equipped with appropriate safety vests, signs, and two-way radio headsets.

Emergency Road Clearing

DRG can utilize additional crews to effectively push debris to the roadside.  If debris cannot be pushed aside it will be loaded directly into trucks and transported to a designated area for temporary storage for later transport and/or reduction.

Temporary Debris Staging and Reduction Site (TDSRS)

All sites will be selected in accordance with FEMA and contract requirements.  The site must not be located within a 100 year floodplain or with ¼ mile of public or private water supplies and shall be provided with twenty four hour security.  The site must meet the requirements in the Environmental Management plan and contract specifications including acceptable ingress and egress.  A burn permit shall be obtained.  DRG will adhere to burn permit requirements and any additional local, state or federal requirements.

Inspection towers will be constructed by DRG in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contract specifications or equivalent requirements.  Typically, the tower is ten feet above the ground and constructed with pressure treated lumber.  The floor area is 8 feet square and is protected by a 4 foot wall.  It is protected by a corrugated tin roof.  The tower will accommodate four people.   The tower will be the point of inspection and load volume estimation.  Tower personnel are responsible to verify that each truck has been pre-approved, measured and is eligible.  Each truck will be issued a load ticket.  The inspection tower shall assume responsibility for the segregation of loads containing contaminants or non-grindables.  These loads will be dumped in a designated area at the TDSRS and sorted either manually or mechanically.

Final Disposition

Non-grindables will be recycled to the maximum extent possible.  Documentation will be retained regarding the amount and type of the materials.  Grindable materials may be used as mulch, landscape material or as an alternative fuel source.  Ash residue will be soaked with water and hauled to the designated disposal site.

Documentation

DRG’s documentation will meet or exceed all contractual requirements and FEMA or other agency requirements.  Original reports are maintained in the field office and daily reconciliation reports are generated to verify information reported on load tickets to information reported on daily production reports. 

Safety

DRG strives to conduct all projects in a safe manner to protect the workers, client and government representatives, visitors and others who may be on or near the work site.  Safety training is conducted on a regular basis.  All managers have been trained in CPR.     Field supervisors provide toolbox safety meetings for all crew members on a weekly basis. 

Site Restoration

DRG will meet or exceed all site restoration requirements in the contract.  In addition to final debris removal as explained above DRG will dismantle and dispose of the tower structure.   DRG will strive to restore the TDSRS to its original condition.  Other restoration requirements may be mandated by the Erosion Control Plan. 

An outside independent party may be employed to conduct a post utilization environmental survey in order to ensure satisfactory site conditions.

Demobilization

The Operations Manager will prepare a demobilization checklist to be completed by his staff.  Upon completion of all list items necessary final government inspections are scheduled and completed.  Upon acceptance by the Government of project completion, any remaining equipment, tools and personnel are demobilized.