A Framework to Determine the Optimal Locations of Temporary Debris Management Sites in Response to a Hurricane Event

Abstract

AbstractMajor hurricanes generate significant amounts of debris. Limitations of post-hurricane debris removal resources often impede the timely debris removal operation for recovery, thereby intensifying the impact of a disaster. In such trying situations, the planning of temporary debris management sites (TDMS), to serve as designed buffers for the sorting, storing, and processing of debris becomes important for the resilience of a local debris management system. This study develops a framework to find the optimal locations for TDMSs, which meet geographic requirements (i.e., related to their land use, land cover, and proximity to natural and built environments) while minimizing the threats imposed to the communities health and safety due to delayed debris removal operations. Specifically, we performed a geographic information system (GIS) analysis to find possible locations for TDMSs based on various geographic requirements by federal government agencies, such as the US EPA and FEMA. Further, we developed a simulation model to evaluate debris removal performance with various TDMS site options in a post-hurricane planning scenario. Using the AnyLogic Optimization Experiment, the optimal TDMS locations were explored in a way that minimizes the overall debris collection time and adverse impacts on community health. To demonstrate the implementation of the proposed framework, we investigated as a case study the debris removal operation for Liberty County, Florida, in response to a hypothetical hurricane event.