Severe storms with tornadoes, high winds, and flooding can cause damage to buildings, other structures, and properties.
The information below provides information regarding debris management as well as other related emergency links.
QR codes to natural disaster guidance can be found at Natural Disaster – Flood Guidance QR sheet
2019 Flood “Dashboard” Provides Updates of Environmental Issues
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has developed a 2019 flood “dashboard” that provides summaries and updates of ongoing flood-related issues. The dashboard provides a weekly update, including maps that provide maps and data that provide: the status of wastewater facilities, public water systems, waste debris management, livestock facilities, air and energy objectives, and status of activities.
The weekly updates can be found at the bottom of this page. |
Private Wells
Sample kits to test private wells for bacteria can be obtained by calling the Department of Health and Human Services lab customer service line at (402) 471-3935 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sample kits are $17 plus the well owner pays return postage to submit the sample to the lab.
Debris Management
NDEE is the state agency that regulates the management and disposal of solid waste. Natural disaster debris (branches, trees, brush waste, demolition debris, household and chemical waste, landfill banned waste, asbestos and hazardous waste) must be managed in accordance with Title 132 – Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations. For more information, go to: Natural Disaster Debris Management
Open Burning
NDEE enforces state regulations pertaining to open fires. Although open fires are generally prohibited statewide, there are allowable exceptions that require two permits, from NDEE and local fire authorities. For more information, go to Open Burning. Go to Open Fire Permit Application - General for the NEW online application process.
Updated Information May 10, 2019
Potential Options for Removing Sand Deposited by Floods
Landowners can consider a number of potential options for sand removal. For more information, see NDEE Fact Sheet
Commonly Asked Flood-Related Questions
Avoid Contact with Floodwaters
The public should avoid contact with floodwaters, including water from the river, standing waters and backwaters. Floodwaters can have dangerous currents that may not be obvious. Additionally there may be hazards of pathogens, petroleum products, chemicals and many other possible contaminants in the water. If you have been in contact with floodwaters, avoid touching your mouth or eyes, and try to thoroughly wash off as quickly as possible.
Dealing With Household Hazardous Chemicals After a Flood
NDEE provides the following tips for handling household chemicals, when cleaning up after a flood:
- If you come across damaged containers and chemicals following the flood, extreme caution should be used. Do not combine products. Household hazardous wastes should be separated from other wastes before disposal. Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers or toilets. Never burn these products.
Asbestos
Nebraska Health and Human Services reminds property owners and contractors that before they begin demolition or renovation of a project (by anyone other than a homeowner) in that person’s residential property, they must have a thorough inspection for asbestos-containing material. If asbestos is found, it may be disposed of in a permitted municipal solid waste area. For more information, go to NDEE’s documents: Natural Disaster Debris Management and General Asbestos Information.
Sandbag Re-use and Disposal
NDEE has developed a Fact Sheet to provide Nebraskans information to help manage sandbags and sand that have been in contact with floodwaters. For more information, go to Floodwater Sandbag Re-use and Disposal.
Wastewater bypasses
For general information, go to Questions and Answers Regarding Wastewater Bypasses During a Flood. NDEE provides guidance to local officials considering a wastewater bypass in the document Information for Those Considering Bypassing Wastewater Treatment Plants
Livestock discharges
If a livestock waste facility has a discharge, the operation must submit the following form to DEE: Notification of Discharge of Livestock Waste
Flood Preparation
By planning ahead, homeowners and businesses can help protect the environment and make the cleanup easier when they return. For more information, go to Pollution Prevention Tips for Homeowners Preparing to Evacuate from Flood
Links to related stories
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