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Council approves amendment to emergency debris contract to add waterway and marsh removal
Summary
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the parish's emergency debris contract with DRC Emergency Services LLC to include waterway, marsh and catch‑basin removal and other related services for the 2026 season.
The Saint Charles Parish Council unanimously approved an amendment to its emergency debris contract with DRC Emergency Services LLC to add waterway and marine debris removal, marsh‑grass and levee debris clearing, catch‑basin and storm‑drain cleaning, and towing/handling/storage of vehicles and vessels.
Parish President Jewell explained the change followed guidance from the state Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOSEP), which recommended adding these services to ensure reimbursements are not jeopardized during hurricane season. "GOSEP recommended amending our existing contract to address these gaps, and based on those discussions, the parish and GOSEP do not anticipate reimbursement issues should the parish need to activate these services during the current storm season," Jewell said.
One resident at the public hearing, Milton Alamo, warned the contract language was too broad and asked who would determine what qualifies for removal under the contract. Jewell replied that Thompson, the parish's independent debris monitor, qualifies debris for reimbursement and that the amendment is not a "free for all." The council voted to approve the ordinance; the amendment expires with the contract on 12/31/2026, and the parish will competitively procure a new contract later this year that includes the added services.
