For projects involving debris removal, it is important to consider that burning debris waste or storing debris near waterways can impact the environment as well as violate the Clean Air Act or Clean Water Act. The National Environmental Policy Act requires FEMA to follow a specific decision-making process based on environmental impact consequences.

Debris should never be staged or stored in floodplains. Each Applicant should be familiar with their flood zones. Project locations can be checked on the FEMA Map Service Center web site.