SOUTHEAST N.C. — In anticipation of destruction caused by Hurricane Florence counties are preparing for the inevitable debris that will be disposed of after the storm.
Pender County has entered into a contract with Disaster Recover Construction to clear debris after the storm passes.
Crews have already prepared for clean up efforts in Pender County, according to a press release.
“We are staging and mobilizing more than 50 push crews in the county and 40 push crews in Surf City and Topsail Beach to remove sand and debris,” said Tom Collins, Pender County Emergency Manager. “We are being proactive in post storm planning.”
Depending on the type of debris to be disposed of Pender County will have different locations residents can take the waste to.
“It is important for our residents to know we will have designated sites for post storm debris,” said Kenny Keel, Pender County Utilities. “We do not take vegetative debris at the convenience sites, only household garbage and other items as designated on the Pender County Solid Waste website. It is important that any storm related debris be taken to the specific sites to be determined after the storm.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) categorizes storm debris into six different categories.
“Storm debris should be divided according to FEMA specifications following Hurricane Florence,” Keel said. “There are six categories – household garbage, construction debris, vegetation debris, household hazardous waste, “white” goods, and electronics.”
According to FEMA, following the correct way to sort debris to a curb will make for a speedier removal process. FEMA suggested limiting curbside garbage to two 32-gallon containers or eight trash bags; share piles with neighbors, and refrigerator and freezer doors must be secured with duct tape.
Brunswick County
According to Brunswick County Spokeswoman Amanda Hutcheson, “Once the storm has passed, we would ask citizens to hold debris for a couple of days until assessments are made.”
The county plans to evaluate the situation when conditions, including flooding and tropical-storm-force winds, have improved.
New Hanover County
According to New Hanover County Spokesperson Ruth Ravitz-Smith, the county has not yet evaluated a plan for debris pick-up, as officials are still managing an emergency response, as well as shelters and road-clearings.
City of Wilmington Spokesperson Malissa Talbert said debris in the city will be handled by existing waste contractors, just as ordinarily curb-side garbage delivery is normally dealt with. Talbert said the city did not yet know when that would begin, but tentative plans to begin contractor clean-up of some areas are set to begin today, provided weather conditions remain safe enough to do so.
Michael Praats can be reached at [email protected]
