Virtual Assessment Report: Hurricane Laura, Luisiana, USA, August 27, 2020

The first product of SUMMER’s efforts to research the sustainable materials management of 27 August 2020 Hurricane Laura is this Virtual Assessment Report which is intended to: (1) identify potential environmental and human health risks of the disaster event and post-disaster materials; (2) characterize the debris generated from the flood affected counties across urban and rural areas, including the quantity and composition, using available software such as HAZUS-MH; (3) compare and contrast estimates of debris generation with reported field observations obtained from available sources; (4) identify and assess the major debris disposal pathways utilized by local and state agencies; and (5) identify any opportunities and potential challenges for recovery and reuse of disaster debris materials generated from this event. As this product is based on virtual reconnaissance alone, the VAR does not include detailed field investigative research. The content of this VAR is based on available online data, actual testimony from affected groups, as well as feedback collected from contacts and representatives in the field, when available. The findings, conclusions, recommendations, and opinions stated in this report are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or institutions with which they affiliate.