Frankfort, Ky. (July 15, 2015) – The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KYDEP) is available to assist with information about cleanup in areas where damage is widespread from Monday night’s storms and floods. Gov. Steve Beshear declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after devastating floods caused at least two deaths, with several other people still missing, and impacted nearly 150 homes, according to emergency management officials. Cleanup efforts in hard-hit areas such as Johnson and Rowan counties and other areas of Kentucky will likely take many months to complete and generate significant amounts of storm debris. Managing storm debris improperly can potentially affect public health and create environmental concerns. The KYDEP maintains a fact sheet that will help Kentucky citizens understand the requirements associated with storm debris cleanup. If you have additional questions regarding storm debris management and disposal, contact the agency at 800-926-8111. If the storm results in a release of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant or creates an environmental emergency, immediately call the Environmental Response Team (ERT) at 800-928-2380 or 502-564-2380. ERT is part of the Kentucky Natural Disaster Plan and responds to natural disasters, such as floods, tornados and other severe weather, earthquakes, forest fires, landslides and water shortages. During natural disasters, ERT is responsible for effective and efficient containment, mitigation and removal of hazardous material releases and works to limit environmental damage.
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