Debris removal contract awarded for a Fire Island clean up by March.
Yaphank, New York, January 26, 2013
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced the award of a Hurricane Sandy debris removal contract worth $8.8 million to DS3 Enterprises Inc. of Central Islip, N.Y.
Under terms of the contract, DS3 Enterprises Inc. will be tasked to remove debris from right-of-way and from eligible private property, transport it off the island, and dispose of it in a safe and environmentally sound manner. An estimated 2,200 homes sustained some form of damage from Hurricane Sandy, which impacted the area in October.
“The debris removal mission will help citizens with their recovery efforts,” said Lt. Col. John Knight, New York Recovery Field Office commander. “It brings us another step closer toward completing the goal of assisting the greater Suffolk County area in dealing with the effects of this devastating storm.”
As part of the response and recovery efforts for New York, FEMA tasked the Corps of Engineers to provide assistance with the debris challenges on Fire Island. In addition to removing the debris, DS3 Enterprises Inc. will be tasked with separation and disposal of construction and demolition debris (including white goods and e-waste); disposal of vegetative debris; and sifting eligible sand.
The contract is considered a small business disaster area “set aside.” This is part of the Federal government’s efforts to ensure qualified small businesses in the disaster area are given opportunities to obtain business from agencies executing missions.
“By awarding contracts to area businesses, affected local economies can begin their road to recovery as well,” said Knight.
All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March.
Project Type
Debris removal, reduction and disposal support mission to the Government of Suffolk
County, New York, on Fire Island.
Authority
Debris management is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s
Emergency Support Function – 3, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coordinates to
provide public works and engineering-related support actions for disasters.
Project Description
Removing an estimated 82,500 cubic yards of debris accumulated from homes, sand, concrete walkways, wood
docks, etc., from the right of way and private property on Fire Island following Hurricane Sandy. Approximately 2,200
structures on Fire Island have damage, which represents 50% of the total number of structures on the island.
Approximately 70 homes received major damage. The USACE contractor will have the responsibility of collecting,
loading and hauling of all eligible debris (as defined by FEMA). To be eligible, removal of the debris must eliminate
immediate threats to life, public health and safety or significant damage to improved property. Debris types and
volumes will be carefully tracked for potential FEMA reimbursement. Debris is taken to temporary storage sites
where it is sorted for recycling or transported to landfills.
Project Considerations
-Fire Island is a remote barrier island with very limited road access to include small boardwalks or sand pathways,
and driving on the beach is required to access some of the communities. Residents and visitors access the island
primarily by ferry. Entry from the east no longer exists due to a breach that occurred during the storm.
-Due to the lack of right of way, Fire Island is an extensive private property debris removal (PPDR) mission, which
requires obtaining right of entry forms (submitted through New York State and Suffolk County) from residents in
order to gain property entry.
-FEMA-USACE Debris teams will conduct inspections for each of the approximately 2,200 homes to complete PPDR
assessments.
-Hauling debris on the beach will be restricted after March 15 due to the nesting season of the Piping Plover bird.
Contractor
The $8,837,388 contract was awarded to DS3 Enterprises Inc. of Central Islip, N.Y on Jan. 25. This is a 100 percent
small business disaster area “set aside” contract. This is part of the Federal government’s efforts to ensure qualified
small businesses in the disaster area are given opportunities to obtain business from agencies executing missions.
Scheduled completion date
Estimated completion is the end of March. Goal is to get the community back up and running prior to the summer
tourist season.
Fire Island Debris
