DEP relaxes regulations to aid Sandy cleanup

(Harrisburg) -- State environmental regulators are relaxing some rules to help with debris removal in the wake of superstorm Sandy.

The Department of Environmental Protection is waiving some disposal fees and working with waste haulers to allow them to pick up storm debris without certain authorizations.

DEP spokeswoman Lisa Kasianowitz says people living near waterways can also help with cleanup.

"If there is debris in nearby streams or creeks or on roads, they are allowed to go ahead and go in those streams and remove it without a permit," Kasianowitz says. "That's for the smaller debris that may be in the creeks and streams."

She says a permit is needed if machinery is required to haul debris from waterways.

Kasianowitz adds waste haulers will not pick up damaged heating oil or propane tanks, which require special disposal methods.

Electronics also should be taken to special recycling facilities.