Debris disposal is the major issue being addressed now. FEMA and the Corps of Engineers have a contract for disposal of debris with a company based in Mobile, Alabama. This company is contacting each of the all of the communities in the 16 county disaster area to offer their services. The DEQ’s Waste Management Division Storm Report has details for each community as of close of business May 13^th. This report will continue to be updated daily.

Debris removal began in Midwest City last Wednesday. As of yesterday (May 12^th), Midwest City’s contractor has moved more than 27-thousand cubic yards of debris. The City of Oklahoma City has also begun debris removal. By this weekend a number of other communities in central Oklahoma will also begin the removal. Along with the debris removal, a number of communities are also beginning to separate household hazardous material where it is possible.

There is some concern about the capacity of the landfills in Central Oklahoma. We do not believe that this will be a problem. Our field staff continues to meet with local government officials to help them identify the best solution for the debris removal in their community. We are also working with FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and their contractor on the debris issue.

Another part of the debris issue, is separation of contaminated sources in the debris. For example, the federal government requires that anything that likely still contains Freon be certified that the Freon has been removed before it can be placed in a landfill. Thus, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners will have to be separated from the other debris. Another example is brick and stone. This type of debris can be placed in "construction and demolition" landfills, rather than a normal landfill. The parties are working together to address these issues.

Possible contamination of private water wells continues to be a concern. A simple fact sheet is available from the DEQ to explain how common household bleach can be used to disinfect water wells.

All of our tornado related material, news releases and updates are available on our web page at: www.deq.state.ok.us. We have made some improvements make the information more accessible.

Please encourage people who have questions on environmental issues to call either our local office or the toll free number. Here are the phone numbers for our DEQ local offices in the counties affected by the storm:

Oklahoma County 702-6222

State of Oklahoma toll free (800) 522-0206

Blaine County (580) 774-7063

Caddo County 745-6036

Canadian County 745-7120

Cleveland County 872-5742

Craig County (918) 540-0150

Garfield County (580) 234-0997

Grady County 745-6036

Kingfisher County (580) 774-7063

Kiowa County (580) 357-9733

LeFlore County (918) 647-5734

Lincoln County 275-7967

Logan County 282-6405

McClain County 872-5742

Noble County (405) 372-7387

Ottawa County (918) 540-0150

Pottawatomie County 275-7967