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FEMA Wildfire Response Support

Mora and San Miguel Counties, New Mexico

North Wind was awarded a contract by USACE, Albuquerque District, to conduct post-wildfire response efforts in Mora and San Miguel Counties, New Mexico, due to the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon Fires in 2022.

Our services include site assessments, hazard tree assessments/removal, industrial health sampling and monitoring for hazardous materials, management of stormwater, vehicle recovery and disposal, identification and disposition of unexploded ordnance (UXO), ammunition, and firearms, collection and disposal of hazardous household waste (HHW), archaeological,/cultural survey, asbestos removal and disposal, construction of temporary bridges, ingress/egress route improvements/maintenance, hazardous tree assessment and removal, removal of wildfire-related debris from private properties, and completion of required plans and reports for a minimum of 300 private properties. Key tasks included mobilization, set setup, and identifying and preparing an HHW and cut tree holding area.

The team developed innovative solutions for project completion timelines, crew assignments, and subcontractor management to ensure the project did not stall and progressed successfully.  Automated Debris Management System (ADMS) and Smartsheets were used to share real-time data project status with USACE. Prioritized utilization of New Mexico subcontractors, vendors, and new hire employees. Supported the local New Mexico economy with subcontracting, material, lodging, and equipment opportunities. Completed ingress/egress route improvements/maintenance needed to ensure access to properties in remote areas throughout both site assessment and debris removal activities.

North Wind successfully managed the execution of debris removal on 268 private property parcels. Weights and quantities of material removed included:

  • Ash/building materials/soils/aggregate subbase  concrete: 26,291 tons
  • Non-Asbestos concrete: 4,643 tons
  • Scrap metal: 1,000 tons
  • Total: 31,934 tons removed

  • Vegetative/woody material: 1,481 loads
  • Vehicle abatement: 190 each
  • HHW: 156 each
  • Asbestos: 4,792 bags
  • Hazardous trees removed: 8,412

Additionally, North Wind developed an integrated air monitoring sampling program focused on asbestos, particulate matter not otherwise classified in the total and respirable size ranges, metals, crystalline silica, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 3,270 analyses for potential contaminants were performed. Due to the efficiency of the Industrial Hygiene program, North Wind was able to reduce personnel sampling.