Asheville, N.C. Takes Steps to Clean Up Storm Debris
Asheville, North Carolina, is hard at work dealing with the aftermath of recent storms. Many residents are left wondering where the debris from the cleanup is headed once it’s picked up. One resident, Michael Slee, asked a question that’s been on a lot of minds: “With the cleanup effort going on, I’m wondering where all the debris is going also what is the final destination or what’s being done with it?”
Cleanup Efforts Underway
In response, various agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are lending their crews to help restore Asheville back to normal. As of December 11, these teams have worked tirelessly to collect an impressive 465,121 cubic yards of various debris within the city limits. That’s an absolutely massive amount of material!
What Happens Next?
So, what happens after the debris is collected? Crews are focused on picking up trees and storm debris that are leaning or hanging over roadways. Once the debris is gathered, it is taken to temporary debris sites that have been set up throughout the affected counties. Dave Connolly, a public affairs officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, explained, “We have several temporary debris sites set up across all the impacted counties.”
These temporary sites serve an essential purpose. After debris is removed from the streets, it’s transported to these locations, where it’s sorted and, if possible, reduced. For instance, any vegetative debris can be processed into mulch, helping to keep waste to a minimum and supporting recycling efforts. Connolly added, “Once the debris is removed, we send it to one of those sites where it is properly sorted and reduced if possible.”
What Can’t Be Recycled?
However, not all debris will be recycled or turned into mulch. Some of it will end up in landfills. The decision regarding what will be discarded is done in cooperation with local, state, and federal partners, ensuring that the process aligns with environmental guidelines. Connolly mentioned that they are still working on determining the final disposition of the collected debris.
Ongoing Efforts and Landlord Questions
While the debris cleanup is a significant concern for many residents, other questions linger as well. One important inquiry relates to whether landlords can collect full rent from tenants living in properties without clean water or power. These questions highlight the complexity of recovery while also addressing how the community is adjusting during this time.
If you have questions about the cleanup or any related topics, feel free to reach out! After all, staying informed is an excellent way for the community to support each other during the recovery process.
In Conclusion
As the cleanup continues, Asheville residents can take comfort in knowing that local and federal agencies are working diligently to restore normalcy to the area. With over 465,121 cubic yards of debris already collected, the community is on the road to recovery, albeit with a bit more work ahead. Most importantly, the city is committed to ensuring that debris is handled responsibly, with a focus on recycling and proper disposal. Let’s keep cheering on our fellow Ashevillians as they tackle this enormous challenge!
