Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/20/2026
Item Status: New
From: Terri Graham, CEO, SWDA
Submitted by: Allison Ownes, Director of Customer Engagement, SWDA
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Assistance with Debris Disposal from Hurricane Isaias Requested by Escambia County, Florida
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discussion needed: Seeking local host government approval by Baldwin County Commission (BCC) for The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County, Alabama, Inc. (SWDA) to assist Escambia County, Florida, by disposing of approximately 500,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris created from Hurricane Isaias in the SWDA landfills. This request would provide assistance to Escambia County, Florida, through December 31, 2026.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Escambia County, Florida, has requested assistance in identifying and obtaining the necessary approvals to manage and dispose of approximately 500,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated by Hurricane Isaias. The request is being made due to the substantial volume of storm-generated debris and the lack of available disposal capacity at Perdido Landfill to accommodate this material.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) provides guidance for Emergency Disposal of Debris Resulting from Natural Disasters. ADEM acknowledges there is sufficient available landfill capacity within Alabama to properly manage the disposal of debris that may be generated during a natural disaster. Under the ADEM Admin. Code 335-13-5-.06(1)(a)1. “The Director may temporarily or on a one-time basis waive permit modification requirements related to service area on a case-by-case basis, if it is demonstrated that a disposal alternative is needed immediately to protect human health or the environment.”
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
Yes
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: Pending legal review
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Admin Staff and Terri Graham
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Admin- Send NOA email to Terri Graham and Allison Owens.
Terri Graham to follow up with Michael Guy, P.E., Deputy Director, Escambia County Waste Services Department.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A