Ongoing storm debris removal efforts in Buncombe County following Hurricane Helene
Buncombe County is actively engaged in storm debris removal efforts following Hurricane Helene, with over 742,000 cubic yards of debris already cleared. The campaign prioritizes critical areas and prepares for the next phase, which includes removing flood-damaged vehicles. Community involvement is encouraged as the county anticipates millions of cubic yards of debris still needing removal. Water quality issues have arisen due to damaged infrastructure, and residents are advised to take precautions. Support for long-term recovery efforts remains essential for the community’s resilience.
As Buncombe County continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, a significant effort is underway to clear storm debris from public areas in the county. As of January 15, a remarkable 742,000 cubic yards of debris have already been removed from public rights-of-way in areas including Black Mountain and Asheville. That’s enough debris to fill over 140 football fields stacked ten feet high! It’s no small feat and the efforts are focused on ensuring that critical areas—think hospitals, schools, and utility companies—are prioritized in this transformation.
Looking ahead, the next phase of these cleanup efforts will tackle the removal of flood-damaged vehicles that are still lingering in public rights-of-way. This complicated process includes conducting title research and trying to get in touch with vehicle owners before any towing takes place. To address cars submerged in waterways, contractors will step in next month to get this sorted out.
Estimations suggest that there could be about three million cubic yards of storm debris left within the city limits alone. To put that into perspective, that’s a colossal amount of waste that’s making its home within our community. Removal will be thorough, with multiple collections planned to ensure every piece is taken care of. Residents are asked to do their part by separating public solid waste, yard debris, and building debris. This simple act can make a big difference in ensuring quick and efficient collection!
While officials are working hard to keep our community clean, it’s essential to know that burning non-vegetative materials and trash is illegal, and those caught doing so could face fines starting at $25,000. To facilitate residents in getting rid of debris, four debris collection sites will be set up, with more locations to be announced soon.
In addition to the debris situation, the storm compromised over 1,800 miles of city water pipes, leading to elevated chlorine levels in our water supply. It’s vital for residents to take precautions by boiling their water for at least one minute or opting for bottled water if necessary. To help clear out any sediment build-up from the storm, people should also flush their toilets for 15 minutes.
As Buncombe County moves forward, community support is crucial. Residents are encouraged to donate funds to aid long-term recovery efforts. So far, about 1,100 individuals have signed up for a program aimed at helping remove debris from private properties—a great way to assist in the recovery process. The application for this service is completely free and consists of a simple process of application, review, inspection, and removal.
With an average of about 100 calls a day to the Buncombe County hotline regarding debris cleanup, it’s clear that the community is keen on staying informed about ongoing efforts. Current debris collection yields between 12,000 and 15,000 cubic yards per day, utilizing a fleet of 45 trucks currently operating in the eastern portion of Buncombe County.
Exciting discussions are also underway about potentially launching a Private Property Debris Removal and Demolition program in collaboration with FEMA and other federal entities. This could bring even more support to homeowners needing assistance.
Overall, while the past few months have been challenging for Buncombe County, the community’s resilience and willingness to pitch in are shining brightly. Cleanup operations will continue diligently, ensuring that our beloved areas return to their pre-storm glory!
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