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QJ.F.H. Eorprisos, IOc. DISASTER RESPONSE DIVISION Reduction of Debris Reduction of debris is normally applied to the vegetative debris such as brush and trees debris, which is also referred to as "burnable debris". However, the reduction process can also be applied to some items that are considered non-burnable or construction and demolition debris. This would include such items as household furniture, construction materials such as roofing, treated timber. This process is applied for the purpose of reducing the volume of the material that is being landfilled. The economic evaluation of weighing the reduction cost against the unreduced landfill cost will be a factor in determining the feasibility of this approach. The most common methods of reduction are burning, chipping and grinding, compacting and recycling. Recycling is covered in the various sections as appropriate. Incineration There are two general classifications of the burning method, open burn and air curtain incineration. Open Burning: Open burning, although very cost effective, may not be suitable for urban areas. The feasibility of this method is very dependent on location and the cleanliness of the debris. Many areas and locations will not permit open burn particularly in urban environments where heavy smoke can create health and property damage concerns. However, in rural locations, if the debris is clean, there is very little environmental impact and the resulting ash can remain on the site or be used as a soil additive. Bulldozers and loaders are the primary equipment required to operate an open burn process. Air Curtain Incineration: Air curtain incineration is also a very cost-effective method of reducing clean, vegetative debris but with NOZZLE~ o ri less environmental impact than the AIR CURTAIN PLENUM Fay open burning method. Air curtain4i �� L� •^�DR WALL EITHER DIRT OR incineration, incorporates the use R PRE.MANUFACTURED of a "burn pit" aided by a forced R air blower. The pit can be 44 constructed below or above grade • (depending on water table) and IMPERVIOUVE includes a mechanical blower to LAYER create constant optimal burn rates and an "air curtain" effect. The air curtain incineration system is a combination of the blower and pit, engineered as a unit to achieve the effect of holding the smoke while feeding air to the fire pit. Since differing site locations contain differing conditions, such as soil composition, water table levels, etc. there are no air curtain incineration systems standards in the industry. In the construction and operation of an efficient air curtain incineration system, special consideration must be given to the following factors: ® • A set back of at least 100 feet between debris piles and the burn area with a minimum setback from buildings and structure of at least 1,000 feet. 39