The project will support preparedness for post-flood management and explore the use of oil spill response equipment to collect debris washed away by floodwaters and carried into water bodies. Practical tests will be carried out to determine the usability of the equipment. On the basis of these tests, modification of the equipment will be carried out. The results of the tests will be reported and the recovery systems that prove to be viable will be compiled into a ‘Flood Debris Recovery Operational Model using Oil Spill Response Equipment’ data package. The information package consists of a description of the recovery systems, an accompanying guide on safe working practices and protection needs.
The project will start with a background study on collection techniques used in other parts of the world. The background study will be given greater weight if the oil recovery equipment is found to be completely unsuitable for debris collection, thus fulfilling the project’s objective of identifying suitable equipment. The information package and the background study will be compiled in a report.
In addition to the written outputs, the results will be disseminated in practical terms, both through the organisation of live demonstrations and through means of communication.
As a result of the project, the range of recovery equipment to be used in the event of flooding has been extended and awareness of the collection equipment has increased. Identification of suitable equipment for waste collection, testing and planning of collection activities will speed up post-flood response and recovery and reduce environmental pollution. Pre-planning of waste collection activities will also increase occupational health and safety and cost-effectiveness of post-flood activities.
