Storm Debris Management Storm Debris Management frequently asked questions Stay updated with the latest information. As this situation is constantly evolving, please check our updates at the bottom of the page for the latest information. This page will be updated as new information comes in. Storm Debris Management Sites Storm debris removal is critical for community safety and temporary debris sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community. There is and continues to be a sense of urgency about debris removal. The longer storm debris remains in our neighborhoods and business areas, the longer we are living with fire and safety hazards. Removing storm debris improves residential and business neighborhood safety. It is also critical to businesses reopening and economic recovery. Temporary sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community. Temporary sites will be diligently monitored for safety and compliance with environmental regulations.The debris removal strategy will continue to be dynamic and we will keep pivoting, when possible, as we are able to secure additional sites. We want to have as few impacts on neighborhoods and business areas as possible. Safety will remain at the forefront of every decision and we remain committed to outreach and information sharing in residential and business neighborhoods near any temporary site. The activities at temporary sites include: debris staging, grinding, compacting and preparation for hauling to a permanent site outside of the city. No hazardous materials will be brought to temporary sites. Temporary sites will receive construction and demolition materials, appliances, electronics, vegetative material and household hazardous waste such as cleaning supplies, paint and batteries. Household hazardous waste will be contained at the sites. Sites will be used exclusively by authorized City contractors and staff to help speed up the cleanup process after the recent storms. Temporary storm debris management sites will not be open to the public for use. Currently Permitted Sites Note: Sites are only for use by City contractor. Residents and businesses can not bring debris to debris sites. Hardesty Lane Site – This site is permitted to process all forms of debris and waste, including vegetative, construction, and demolition debris as well as appliances, electronics, and household hazardous waste. Household hazardous waste is not the same as toxic hazardous waste, which will not be processes any temporary debris sites. Enka Commerce Park Site – This site is permitted to process storm debris. This site is not permitted to process household hazardous waste materials. 65 Ford Street – moving forward, this site will only be used if needed. With the exception of vegetative debris, storm debris currently on this site will be processed and removed. Front 9 of the Municipal Golf Course – this site will only be used if needed. However, security and site prep measures such as fencing and access for heavy machinery will continue so the site is ready to be used, if needed. The City of Asheville has opened temporary storm debris management sites to properly dispose of storm debris. Storm debris removal is important for community safety and temporary debris sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community, which is important for economic recovery and safety. Roger Farmer Park – The Roger Farmer Park is a permitted site but will not be used for debris management. Julian Shoals – this site is permitted by the contractor and contractor is actively utilizing it for debris management Residents in the areas around sites may notice increased activity, including: Noise from wood chippers, compactors, and other heavy equipment during daylight hours. Traffic from heavy-duty trucks traveling to and from the site. Storm Debris Collection Do not put limbs, yard debris, construction debris, carpet, concrete, or other bulky or hazardous items in your trash cart. These materials will be collected separately by a contractor. City of Asheville Sanitation curbside collection customers can go to ashevillenc.gov/AVLcollects or download the free app AVL Collects to get alerts about trash and debris collection schedules and work happening in your area. Residential and Commercial Right-of-way Debris Collection in City of Asheville The community can begin to place sorted debris to the curb in the right-of-way. Do not bag debris. Debris should be separated at the curb by category: Construction & demolition & bulky items: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing. Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Do not leave the doors unsealed or unsecured. Place refrigerators with door facing ground to prevent door opening. Electronics: TV, computer, stereo, phone, DVD players Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants, stumps, trees. Household Hazardous Waste: Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies. Ensure all material is contained/closed and will not spill. Mud/dirt: See Mud & Sediment Removal Guidance below Contractors will be working in storm debris removal zones. These zones are typically utilized as snow removal zones, and we will be using these same zones to communicate about storm debris collection. Debris should be separated at the curb according to the images here. Click for larger images. Debris Guidelines Storm debris does not need to be bagged and can be placed in a pile. Do not block the roadway with debris and ensure access for large trucks and emergency vehicles. Do not place or lean debris near or on trees, poles, water meters, or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, utility boxes, and curbside trash carts. Contractors cannot collect directly from private property. However, if your pile starts at the curb in the right-of-way and stretches into your yard in a continuous manner, their equipment can reach about 18’, as long as there are no overhead lines or obstructions. Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper protective equipment: long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended. There will be multiple passes and collections – you do not have to have it all out at once. Ensure staff can still access your trash/recycling carts. Private Property Storm Debris Removal Starting on Nov. 19, Buncombe County property owners, including City of Asheville residents, impacted by Hurricane Helene, who do not have debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property at no cost through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures. What is eligible in the PPDR program? Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property. Removal of debris impacting a waterway. The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs. What is NOT eligible under the program? Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas. Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock. A Right of Entry (ROE) form, signed by all property owners, is legally required before contractors providing PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. A right-of-entry is a voluntary document. Your land is private, and it is your decision to grant access. You may withdraw from the program at any time prior to the start of debris removal or demolition activities on your property. To see if you are eligible for debris removal or demolition of unsafe structures on your property, visit one of the PPDR application centers across the county opening starting on Tuesday, Nov.19: Asheville Mall, 3 South Tunnel Road (same location as the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center), Asheville – daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15, 100 Dillingham Rd., Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Swannanoa Fire Rescue, 510 Bee Tree Road, Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fairview library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or apply online here. Have these documents available when you apply: A copy of your insurance policy and proof/statement of loss from the company (if insured) A color copy of your driver’s license or valid U.S. government-issued ID (such as a passport) Proof of ownership such as a warranty deed, tax assessment, etc. For more information on the PPDR and other debris questions, call the One Buncombe hotline, 828-250-6100, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and select option “2.” Large Commercial & Private Property Debris The City is working with state and federal agencies to establish a clear plan for removing debris from residential private property (beyond the right-of-way) and commercial private property. If clean up of private property is approved, this will assist residents with removal of large items from their property or businesses with extensive structural damage. Updates on this coming soon. All commercial properties are asked to either move debris to the right-of-way where possible, or if too extensive, leave in place until the City receives a determination about the ability to address debris directly on private property. Please do not utilize private box cars and/or dumpsters in the right-of-way as they impede emergency service access and infrastructure repair. Additionally, the future resiliency of our community is partly dependent on our ability to properly sort, process, and dispose of debris. The landfill is already at critical capacity. Please allow City and County contractors to collect and dispose of storm debris as they will be able to sort debris; reduce the size of debris via chipping, incineration, or shredding; and ship to a private landfill. This will protect our valuable landfill resource for the future. Mud and Sediment Removal (NC DEQ – Environmental Guidance for Helene-Impacted Areas) Soil should be separated from other debris with the following guidelines: No signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel) Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas may be stockpiled in an area where they can be recovered and reused for construction or other needs in the recovery effort. Signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel)- Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas should be isolated and stockpiled on a surface, not allowing fluid to pass through or a tarp and cover where possible. Removal from inside of Flooded Homes and Garages– If there is no sign of contamination, follow steps #1 above. If Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) type materials (cleaners, pesticides, etc) spilled into the mud, then it should be collected, dried and sent to the landfill for disposal. Business/Commercial Removal with Contamination- Should be containerized pending determination of proper disposal in coordination with the Division of Waste Management, Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch. Regional contact is Brett Engard, (828) 767-2424 or brett.engard@deq.nc.gov. It is advised not to place material in flood-prone areas & to install adequate runoff controls (e.g., silt fence) around stockpiles. Guidelines may change based on updates from local, state, or federal partners. For more info., contact the Div. of Waste Management at 828-296-4500. Debris Collection & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) The City initially engaged a private contractor through a state contract to begin debris collection from critical infrastructure and roadways immediately after the storm. During this initial period, the City also submitted a request to FEMA to engage the USACE to assist with debris collection. This request process takes time. FEMA has approved the City’s request for public assistance to utilize USACE for debris collection, and USACE has finalized their contract terms with their debris collection contractor, AshBritt. USACE and AshBritt quickly mobilized to continue the debris collection process. Collection will occur 7 days a week during daylight hours. Updates November 20 Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. Today, November 20, the contractor will have 31 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 1) 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 2) 5 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 9 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 20, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates. November 19 Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. Today, November 19, the contractor will have 30 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 1) 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 2) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 9 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 5 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) Our storm debris collection contractor continues to rotate throughout the City, focusing on collecting in areas with high concentrations of storm debris. However, the contractor will continue to collect storm debris in all areas of the City, including in City-owned parks, until all storm debris is removed. The City of Asheville Public Works team continues to remove trees that are hanging or leaning over the right of way. November 18 Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. As of end of day November 18, debris contractors had collected 93986.2 cubic yards of storm debris. This is equal to about 4.5 football fields stacked 10 feet tall with debris. Today, November 18, the contractor will have 30 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 1) 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 2) 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) Our storm debris collection contractor continues to rotate throughout the City, focusing on collecting in areas with high concentrations of storm debris. However, the contractor will continue to collect storm debris in all areas of the City, including in City-owned parks, until all storm debris is removed. The City of Asheville Public Works team continues to remove trees that are hanging or leaning over the right of way. November 17 Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. Today, November 17, the contractor will have 33 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 1) 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 2) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 9 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) Our storm debris collection contractor continues to rotate throughout the City, focusing on collecting in areas with high concentrations of storm debris. However, the contractor will continue to collect storm debris in all areas of the City, including in City-owned parks, until all storm debris is removed. The City of Asheville Public Works team continues to remove trees that are hanging or leaning over the right of way. November 16 Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. Today, November 16, the contractor will have 31 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 1) 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 2) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 9 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) Our storm debris collection contractor continues to rotate throughout the City, focusing on collecting in areas with high concentrations of storm debris. However, the contractor will continue to collect storm debris in all areas of the City, including in City-owned parks, until all storm debris is removed. The City of Asheville Public Works team continues to remove trees that are hanging or leaning over the right of way. November 15 As of November 15, the contractor has collected over 80,000 cubic yards of storm debris. Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. Today, November 15, the contractor will have 30 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 1) 1 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 2) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) Our storm debris collection contractor continues to rotate throughout the City, focusing on collecting in areas with high concentrations of storm debris. However, the contractor will continue to collect storm debris in all areas of the City, including in City-owned parks, until all storm debris is removed. The City of Asheville Public Works team continues to remove trees that are hanging or leaning over the right of way. You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 15, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates November 13 As of November 11, the contractor has collected over 70,000 cubic yards of storm debris. Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. Today, November 13, the contractor will have 27 trucks running. The zones will be as follows: 1 grapples/trailers in Zone 1 (West Asheville) 6 grapples/trailers in Zone 3 (Downtown Asheville) 8 grapples/trailers in Zones 4 & 5 (North and Northeast Asheville) 5 grapples/trailers in Zones 6 (East Asheville) 7 grapples/trailers in Zones 7 & 8 (Southeast and South Asheville) Our storm debris collection contractor continues to rotate throughout the City, focusing on collecting in areas with high concentrations of storm debris. However, the contractor will continue to collect storm debris in all areas of the City, including in City-owned parks, until all storm debris is removed. The City of Asheville Public Works team continues to remove trees that are hanging or leaning over the right of way. You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 13, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates November 12 Asheville Daily Report Trucks Running in Asheville – 30 Asheville Truck Allocation Plan: 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 9 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 6 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) City Zone Map: https://avl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=854819b2588e440294736d2ee6d0eceb November 11 Asheville Daily Report: Trucks Running in Asheville – 31 Asheville Truck Allocation Plan: 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 9 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) City Zone Map: https://avl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=854819b2588e440294736d2ee6d0eceb November 10 Asheville Daily Report: Trucks Running in Asheville – 36 Asheville Truck Allocation Plan: 10 grapples/trailers in the (Zone 3) 11 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 4 & 5) 8 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 6) 7 grapples/trailers in the (Zones 7 & 8) City Zone Map: https://avl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=854819b2588e440294736d2ee6d0eceb November 8 Asheville Truck Allocation Plan: Note that the Zone Numbers do not equate to priority, and the contractor will work in multiple zones each day. Today, Friday, November 8, the contractor will have grapple trucks in the following zones: 6 grapples in the (Zone 3) 11 grapples in the (Zones 4 & 5) 10 grapples in the (Zones 6) 11 grapples in the (Zones 7 & 8) November 6 You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 6, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates Contractors will be working in storm debris removal zones. These zones are typically utilized as snow removal zones, and we will be using these same zones to communicate about storm debris collection. Note that the Zone Numbers do not equate to priority, and the contractor will work in multiple zones each day. Today, Wednesday, November 6, the contractor will have grapple trucks in Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. While the work of the contractor must remain flexible in order to maximize efficiency, the City will work to provide updates as a more regular schedule is operationalized. November 4 You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 4, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates Contractors will be working in storm debris removal zones. These zones are typically utilized as snow removal zones, and we will be using these same zones to communicate about storm debris collection. Note that the Zone Numbers do not equate to priority, and the contractor will work in multiple zones each day. Today, Monday, November 4th, the contractor will have 6 grapple trucks in Zones 4 & 5 and 15 grapple trucks in Zones 7 & 8. While the work of the contractor must remain flexible in order to maximize efficiency, the City will work to provide updates as a more regular schedule is operationalized. November 2 AshBritt will be re-opening up the Enka Site Saturday, November 2 and will set up their equipment on site. AshBritt will be running 10 trucks in Asheville and hauling debris to Enka. More information as to the locations AshBritt will be running to become more specific in the next week. November 1 The City initially engaged a private contractor through a state contract to begin debris collection from critical infrastructure and roadways immediately after the storm. During this initial period, the City also submitted a request to FEMA to engage the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assist with debris collection. This request process takes time. FEMA has approved the City’s request for public assistance to utilize USACE for debris collection, and USACE is in the process of finalizing their contract terms with their debris collection contractor, AshBritt. We've temporarily modified this page of the Asheville City website in order for visitors to more easily access information about Hurricane Helene. View Full Home Page Instead.
