Chapter 7 › XII.B Waterways

Can we remove disaster debris from rivers, canals and channels?

FEMA term

Waterway debris; navigable and non-navigable waterways

Short answer

Only when the debris poses an immediate threat to life, public health and safety, or improved property. Debris the incident deposited that doesn’t meet that test is ineligible, and federally maintained navigable waterways are the responsibility of the Coast Guard and the Corps of Engineers.

What FEMA requires

Navigable waterways you maintain: debris obstructing vessels is eligible down to 2 feet below the low-tide draft of the largest vessel that used the waterway before the incident.
Non-navigable waterways and flood control works: eligible if the debris obstructs intakes, could damage bridges or culverts, or could flood improved property in a 5-year flood.
Debris in works built under NRCS watershed authority is ineligible even if NRCS can’t help. Works in the Corps’ Rehabilitation and Inspection Program are eligible for PA debris removal.
Random surveys are ineligible; a targeted survey (including side-scan sonar) is eligible once you show a specific threat area.
Coordinate first with EPA or the Coast Guard, the Corps (permits), NMFS and Fish and Wildlife, and with NRCS to avoid duplicate funding.

Documentation

Before-and-after satellite imagery or bathymetric surveys showing the debris was deposited by the incident, plus permits and agency coordination records.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Prove the debris is new. Without pre-disaster imagery or soundings, FEMA may treat it as pre-existing.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.