Debris Removal Updates - NOV 4, 2024 - County Briefing

Debris Removal Update: County Briefing Recap - November 4, 2024

On November 4, 2024, the County Briefing focused on providing an update to citizens regarding ongoing efforts to remove debris following a recent storm. The presentation, led by Jess Foster from the City of Asheville Public Works Sanitation Division with a concluding overview from City Manager Debra Campbell, outlined current operations and future plans for clearing debris from our community. This briefing was purely informational; no formal votes were taken during the session.

The primary focus of the meeting centered on the status and management of temporary debris sites established to handle storm-related waste. While several locations were initially considered, the Roger Farmer Park site is no longer in use. The 65 Ford Street and Front 9 of the Municipal Golf Course are designated as "last resort" sites, currently not needed. The Hardesty Lane site remains active and is permitted to accept a wide range of debris, including vegetative waste, construction/demolition materials, appliances, electronics, and household hazardous waste (though toxic hazardous waste will not be processed). Officials emphasized that residents and businesses should continue to place debris at the curb for collection, rather than attempting to bring it directly to these sites.

A significant portion of the discussion detailed how the city's contracted debris removal company is operating, utilizing a zone-based system (Zones 1-8) to streamline communication and collection efforts. The city has secured FEMA funding, enabling the engagement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and a subsequent contract with Ashbrit to assist in the removal process. Ashbrit is rapidly increasing its presence, deploying 15 trucks this Saturday and 19 on Sunday to focus initially on clearing debris from roadways and public right-of-ways.

Looking ahead, the city aims to establish a more regular debris collection schedule and will provide updates as that becomes feasible. Key action items include continued management of the temporary debris sites, maintaining zone-based communication to keep residents informed about collection progress, and increasing the number of trucks deployed by Ashbrit. Citizens can find detailed information, guidelines, and regular updates on the city's website: ashevillenc.gov/backslashelen.

This update matters to all residents and businesses because it outlines the city's strategy for restoring our community after the storm. By understanding the zone-based system, adhering to debris placement guidelines, and staying informed through the city website, we can all contribute to a faster and more efficient cleanup process. The partnership with FEMA and the USACE demonstrates a commitment to providing robust support during this recovery effort, ensuring our community returns to normalcy as quickly as possible.