Disaster Response Experience / History
Garner's experience in the field of emergency response and planning is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Garner is distinguished from other companies in this field by our actual emergency response experience. We bring our response experience and lessons learned to provide a more realistic and practical approach to responding to an emergency. In addition, as a response organization we offer hands-on experience with strategic and tactical decision making skills developed through years of real life situations.
Ike Hazardous Debris Sort and Removal
Chambers County, Texas, Galveston County, Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Garner Environmental Services, Inc. mobilized in October 2008 to remove hazardous materials and concurrently search for human remains from debris fields which were created by the tidal surge of Hurricane Ike. We remain in theater as of August 01, 2009 and have screened in excess of 17,500,000 cubic yards of debris.
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, City of Port Arthur Texas, Chambers County, Texas, Southeast Texas Area, United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Garner Environmental Services, Inc mobilized for the 2008 Hurricane season in August for Hurricane Gustav and continued its response efforts into November providing services, equipment, logistics, and surge response. Garner supplied the client's citizenry with emergency power generators for critical needs infrastructure, material handling equipment for emergency goods warehousing and Points of Distribution (POD's), and emergency pumping assets.
Tropical Storm Ernesto Flooding (2006-2007)
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) City of Richmond
Provided turn-key around the clock supervision for the pumping and decontamination operations from the effects of sewage contaminated flood waters of Tropical Storm Ernesto for over two months. Garner provided personnel, pumps, generators, mechanics, operators, fuel, hoses, etc. in relief efforts for the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Garner also conducted the gross residential decontamination of several square miles of the Battery Park area of Richmond, VA that were most severely affected by the sewage contaminated flood waters. Initial personnel and equipment on-site within 12 hours of activation. Project still ongoing.
Hurricane Ernesto
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Garner Environmental Services mobilized at the request of Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) to provide State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) personnel and Logistical Staging Area (LSA) resource management teams to mobilize the material handling equipment for anticipated Points of Distribution (PODS) and emergency power needs in response to Ernesto. Garner crews additionally staffed State owned relief goods warehouse providing personnel management and distribution support for relief commodities. Prior to the Ernesto’s landfall Garner crews readied over 60 emergency generator sets and 30 POD material handling equipment packages for immediate deployment within of 12 hours post landfall. Initial personnel and equipment on-site within 36 hours pre landfall.
Tropical Storm Alberto
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Responding to the overnight development of Tropical Strom Alberto Garner Environmental Services mobilized at the request of Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) to provide State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) personnel and Logistical Staging Area (LSA) resource management teams to mobilize material handling equipment for the anticipated Points of Distribution (PODS) and emergency power needs in response to Ernesto. Garner crews additionally staffed the State owned relief goods warehouse providing personnel management and distribution support for relief commodities. Prior to the Alberto’s landfall Garner crews readied over 25 emergency generator sets and 60 POD material handling equipment packages for immediate deployment within of 12 hours post landfall. Initial personnel and equipment on-site within 24 hours pre landfall.
Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma
Florida Division of Emergency Management, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, City of Port Arthur Texas, United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Garner Environmental Services, Inc mobilized for the 2005 Hurricane season on July 6, 2005 for Hurricane Dennis and continued its response efforts well into 2006 providing services, equipment, logistics, and surge response. During the unprecedented 2005 hurricane season Garner concurrently managed and operated seven Logistical Staging Areas (LSA) in West Palm Beach, FL; Pensacola, FL; Live Oak, FL; Stennis MS; Franklinton, LA; Lake Charles, LA; and Port Arthur, TX. Garner tracked, mobilized and recovered thousands of pieces of equipment dispatched for its clients. Garner representatives worked in close coordination with Federal, State, and Local officials in the Emergency Operation Centers in Tallahassee, FL; Baton Rouge, LA; and Port Arthur, TX. Garner supplied the client’s citizenry with emergency power generators for critical needs infrastructure, material handling equipment for emergency goods warehousing and Points of Distribution (POD’s), and emergency pumping assets. Garner also led the decontamination projects on the San Gabriel morgue (New Orleans area), New Orleans International Airport, and mobile/temporary body storage units in the New Orleans area.
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Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Garner Environmental Services, Inc. activated on August 12, 2004 and demobilized on October 22, 2004 in response to four hurricane strikes (three major hurricanes). Garner was an instrumental part of the largest Federal Response in the history of the United States, to date. In the response, Garner mobilized, tracked and recovered over 870 pieces of equipment uses for emergency power, emergency pumping and materials handling (i.e. MRE’s, Water and Ice). Garner personnel helped staff and manage the Logistical Staging areas designated by the State of Florida to receive and subsequently supply the disaster victims in the state with emergency power, food, water and ice. Garner also provided hundreds of loads of ice to supplement the Florida Response. Garner worked in extremely close coordination with Forestry, Emergency Management, ACOE, National Guard, etc. Garner had personnel on-site within four hours after activation.
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Hurricane Isabel
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Garner responded with personnel and high volume pumps to the Elizabeth River – Mid Town Tunnel in Norfolk, Va. The tunnel flooded completely due to the storm surge during landfall of the hurricane, cutting off a vital Norfolk and Hampton Roads District artery. Using 6”, 8” and 12” high volume trailer mounted and submersible pumps, an estimated 30 to 35 million gallons of water was removed from the tunnels and associated structures underneath. The tunnel and all vent space was pressure washed and all debris removed during the operation. This operation took an estimated 2.5 weeks to finish and the tunnel reopened ahead of the expected date. On-site and pumping within 12 hours.
Hurricane Isabel
Commonwealth of Virginia
Garner provided logistical support in the form of portable power and cable, lighting, and pumping capability. Portable power ranged from 35kW Generators to 1750 kW Generators. These units were provided to 14 different agencies including Public Works Departments, Police Departments and Airports. The units were used to power sewage pumping stations, drinking water systems, hospitals, nursing homes and public shelters in Henrico County. Garner also provided materials such as flares, water coolers, batteries and potable water to the City of New Port News, VA. Garner personnel requested on-site prior to impact of storm event – able to do so due to pre-existing contract with the state.
State of Florida & The Steinhatchee Water Association
Garner provided an initial response on Labor Day Weekend, which required the installation of what became known as the “Water Well on Wheels”. This application required the conjoining of Food Grade Potable Water Tankers, Hydrostatic Water Well Tanks and Pumps to supply water to a system infected with e.coli Bacteria. This system was then replaced with a Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) system that currently provides 400 gallons per minute of potable water to parts of two area counties. Water is drawn from system water wells, pumped through the R.O. Units, and pumped via high end pumps to the system water tower for distribution. The system includes R.O. Units, a chemical injection system and pumps. This is an ongoing project. On-site, water in place within 8 hours.
Corsicana and Lufkin, East Texas Area
Space Shuttle Columbia Recovery Mission
Garner provided planning, logistics and infrastructure support through April, 2003 for the shuttle recovery mission in East Texas. Electrical and HVAC equipment sent to camps and command centers for support of operational personnel. On-site within 4 hours during a major Ice Storm at the time of the call to respond.
Port of Corpus Christi
Military Equipment Load Out in Support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom”
Garner provided 50 person crew and oversight in support of BNSF rail mobilization of Military Equipment through the Port of Corpus Christi. Interface with Military Transport Command personnel as well as army reservists in removing military hardware from shipped rail components and trucks. Worked nights unshackling and offloading equipment for movement onto Liberty Ships for transport to the Middle East. On-site within 6 hours and working.
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Corpus Christi, Texas
Tornado Response – Del Mar College
Based upon an existing contract, Garner responded to a tornado strike at the west campus of Del Mar College in Corpus Christi which resulted in extensive damage and one death. Coordinated and managed efforts of subcontractors and maintenance personnel in returning campus to accommodating 80% student capacity within three days (from Sunday to Tuesday) and 100% of student capacity within 6 days. Damaged library temporarily sealed and approximately 17,000 volumes recovered and removed. Low humidity desiccation chamber created at remote location to dry and salvage documents and books, computers and audio-visual equipment. 16,000 volumes salvaged. All destroyed portable building debris removed and disposed of, hazardous material component (mercury and various hydrocarbon spills) recovered and disposed of, water damaged material in interior of damaged buildings removed and building interiors dried for student use. Garner coordinated personal and classroom item recovery from impacted areas. Debris subcontractor Crowder-Gulf and restoration contractor Cotton Catastrophe work overseen and reviewed by Garner project personnel. On-site within 2 hours.
San Antonio and Central Texas Area
South Texas Floods
Supported local fire departments and other local and state agencies by transporting rescue crews, medical supplies and other items across rain swollen rivers. Assisted in the removal of debris in the public assistance area along with cleaning up several area of spilled oil and other material. On-site immediately due to pre-existing contracts.
State of Georgia
Georgia Crematory Body Recovery
Response and setup of generators, HVAC Units, tents for use by Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. DEMORT Team. Garner established a temporary morgue cold storage unit measuring 8,000 sq. ft. Mobilized teams for debris removal and manned the HVAC unit 24 hrs a day to maintain temperatures required for body preservation. Supported GEMA activities with rehab facilities for their personnel Notified at 10:00 AM on a Sat. morning, all initial equipment on-site and setup in less than 8 hours.
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Hurricane Michelle
State of Florida
Deployed from California to stand by in the State EOC in Tallahassee for the approaching Hurricane. Worked with ESF-7 personnel to plan and prepare for a major event in Southern Florida. Hurricane dissipated over Cuba and Garner demobilized to regular duty stations. On-site at the EOC within 12 hours of being requested to respond.
Coral Gables, Florida
Responded and pre-staged debris removal equipment for the City of Coral Gables, Fla. The hurricane eventually dissipated over Cuba and all equipment demobilized within one week. All equipment was on-site within 4 hours of the request.
World Trade Center
New York City Police Department
Forensic Debris Recovery Project
New York City – Staten Island - 9/11
First contractor on-site at Staten Island Fresh Kills Landfill post 9/11. Piggybacking upon and utilizing State of New York contract, Garner teamed with and supported New York Police Department (NYPD) and FBI efforts to sift through and examine all debris removed from World Trade Center ‘Ground Zero’ site. In association with NYPD/FBI supervisory personnel, Garner helped design materials handling/debris segregation and screening, and directly assisted in the recovery mission of personal effects, body parts, aircraft parts and documents at the Staten Island site. Project completed in July 2002. Provided heavy equipment (shaker screens, pay loaders, excavators) and operating personnel and management expertise in the recovery of forensic evidence from Ground “Zero”. Provided over 40 pieces of heavy equipment and more than 70 operational personnel to spearhead the handling and examination process. Garner sifted and processed over 1,700,000 tons of debris. From the time this assignment was received on 09/15/2002, Garner was on scene working within 12 hours. Focus of the recovery mission was to support all NYPD forensic operations on Staten Island. Worked and coordinated with over 35 local, state and federal agencies and contractors to help coordinate efforts of more than 1200 personnel handling and sifting debris. Garner transitioned contract agencies from NYPD to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) management team in late October. The administration of the project was overseen by ACOE prime contractor Philips and Jordan from late October to the end of the project, while NYPD and the FBI retained operational control. ***
New York State – World Trade Center Recovery
State Emergency Management Office
State activated existing state emergency services contract with Garner, assisted the State of New York with resource procurement, coordination, logistics and warehousing. This was done in direct support of NY State and USAR activities and the recovery response effort to the terrorist attack on 09/11/01 against the World Trade Center Complex. Also provided turnkey measures (water, office supplies, climate control, etc.) for support and conversion of downtown armory used as Family Relief Center. Supplied respiratory equipment and hand wash stations in support of Ground Zero effort.
Arrived on scene at the New York EOC in less than 36 hours. Air travel restriction prevented a faster response. While in transit, Garner deployed equipment that arrived within 6 hours of the request.
Tropical Storm Allison Floods
Houston - Public Assistance
Provided personnel, equipment and demolition expertise to Property Development Group in the demolition and restoration of sections of the underground entertainment area. Demolition of the flood damaged area included removal of all debris, demolition of flooded elevators and treatment of the area for mold growth.
Tropical Storm Allison Flooding
Houston
Provided turn-key operations for the pumping and recovery from the effects of flood waters. Garner provided pumps, generators, mechanics, operators, fuel, hoses, etc. in relief efforts for Harris County and the City of Houston. Garner removed more than 250 million gallons of water from theater area underground garages and tunnel systems. Recovery and removal of over 170 vehicles submerged in underground. Personnel on-site for two weeks performing cleanup operations. Initial personnel and personnel on-site in 4 hours. Mobilization of over 114 pumps and 3.5 miles of hose from across the United States to handle and supplement recovery operations of city, county, medical center and utility groups.
Terrorist Guerilla bombing
Ecuador
Responded to the bombing of the Petro-Ecuador Pipeline located approximately 45 kilometers from the Columbian Border along the Equator at the foot of the Andes Mountains. An explosion released 8000 barrels of crude with ensuing fire. Garner provided equipment, manpower and expertise for the cleanup in the very rugged mountainous, riverine terrain. Bioremediation agent used post fire and cleanup.
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Ice Storm
North Texas
Responded for Department of Public Safety to supply Generators to cities in North Texas. Power was distributed during outages in towns such as New Boston, Texas. This work was performed through the Texas General Services Commission. Equipment was on-site within 6 hours. 2000 – Florida – Provided Type “6” Fire Engines and crews to assist in the firefighting efforts during the 2000 Wildfire Season in the State of Florida.
South Florida - Flooding
Provided Turn-Key operations for the South Florida Floods in Miami – Dade County. Garner provided Pumps, Generators, Fuel, Hoses, Mechanics, Certified Operators, Forklift Competent Individual/Trainer, Extended-Reach Forklifts for Salvation Army Operations. 3 Pumps remained on-site under contract in West Miami maintaining the Sewer System for over a year. All equipment on-site within 16 hours for the State of Florida.
Hurricane Debbie
Coral Gables, Fla.
Response in preparation for approaching hurricane. Responded with generators, pay loaders, cable and other items. All equipment was on-site within 12 hours.
Venezuela
Response to mud slides and flooding at Customs Warehouse Storage Facility in the port of La Guaira, north of Caracas, Venezuela. Removal, segregation and recovery of over 250 different types of chemicals in over 1500 containers; removal of over 300 large shipping (conex) containers; sampling, excavation, and disposal of over 125,000 cubic meters of soil, mud, rock, and debris in port facility. Assessment, logistics, and planning with United Nations, State Department-Hazardous Material Response Team, Venezuelan Firefighters, and the U.S. SOUTHCOM MIL GROUP; cooperation with Swedish fire fighting team and five Venezuelan Ministries. Project finished ahead of schedule and under budget.
High Andes Oil Spill
Bolivia
Pipeline rupture produced by flooding at 15,000 ft. in highly sensitive Bolivian Highlands. 28,000 barrels reported to be lost. Air logistics provided personnel, equipment and materials to remote Andean region. More than 3,500 native and American personnel in 7 zones over 150 miles of river course managed by Garner at operational peak of project. First Response personnel on-site in 36 hours. Huge operation managing logistics, personnel, supplies, and equipment utilizing Russian Antonov, C-130, and 727 plane loads in an international venue.
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Hurricane Irene
Florida
Utilizing large pumps and water trucks, handled millions of gallons of sewage outfall when system overflowed in West Miami area. Personnel and equipment on-site within 4 hours.
Hurricane Floyd
Florida
Pre-planned Tier 2A equipment package provided with turnkey service (approximately 77 generators). All equipment on-site within 24 hours.
Sprayed for mosquito vectors
New York
Sprayed for mosquito vectors carrying West Nile Encephalitis in New York City and Long Island area using rotary wing aircraft with GPS and mapping capability. Equipment on-site within 12 hours.
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Hurricane Georges
Florida
Emergency power supplies for State of Florida from Key West to Tallahassee. 125 generators and turnkey service provided. On-site within 18 hours.
Tropical Storm Francine
Texas
Hazardous material and drum recovery for USCG in Houston Ship Channel. On-site within 4 hours. strictly
Del Rio, Texas
Floods
Debris removal, hazardous material removal, and body recovery. On-site within 4 hours.
Hurricane Bonnie
North Carolina
Turnkey emergency power supply for State of North Carolina. (300 plus generators). Equipment on-site within 32 hours.
Wildfires
State of Florida
67 Low Ground Pressure (LPG) dozer crews from Jacksonville to Daytona. 214 personnel and equipment crews to fight wide-ranging crown & flash fires. Initial Equipment on-site in 4 hours, all equipment on-site within 24 hours.
Ice storm
New York State
Provided turnkey alternative power sources, logistics, and equipment airlift. All equipment on-site in 16 – 24 hours.
Flooding
North Carolina
logistical and consulting support for chemical and biological contamination resultant from floodwaters.
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Houston Distribution Incorporated
Houston, Texas
Multiple Warehouse explosions & fires. Containment, chemical sampling & cleanup, air monitoring & documentation.
Hurricane Fran
North Carolina
Cleanup, removal, & disposal of 5 million cubic yards of debris. Asbestos and hazardous material segregation.
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Bay Count, Florida
Rebuild coastal beach berms and dunes utilizing heavy equipment, post tropical storm event.
Hurricane Opal
Destin, Florida
Clear and remove chemical & biological waste from coastal areas.
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Murrah Building Bombing
Oklahoma City
Search and rescue; logistics support; administration support.
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