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EVANS, Ga. () – It’s now been four months since Hurricane Helene hit the CSRA.
While there is still a lot to pick up, crews have been going around the county to pick up millions of cubic yards of debris.
“We’ve estimated it to be a total of around 6 million cubic yards of debris. We’re hoping we’re halfway there, but we have no way of knowing for certain at this time,” said Kyle Titus.
Part of the reason homeowners are still seeing piles of debris is because part of that debris is being mixed in with what county leaders are calling “ineligible items”.
Titus says these items mainly fall under the category of non-storm generated debris.
“Household refuse—-or trash—-is ineligible, and if it’s in a pile it will be passed. Damaged fences is a big one, a lot of folks are calling saying their debris piles aren’t picked up. We inspect it, and its got fence boards or damaged construction material in it, and we won’t pick that up. We can’t pick that up,” said Titus.
Another recent issue for work crews has been finding debris not from Helene on right of ways throughout the county.
“If you’re caught placing non-generated storm on the right of way, and you don’t remove it immediately, you’ll be contacted by Code Enforcement and likely cited,” Titus said.
The 120-day deadline for full reimbursement from FEMA is approaching, and that’s why county leaders say it is all hands on deck.
“If you have questions about why debris isn’t being picked up in front of my house or in my neighborhood, please continue to be patient with us. We are working as hard as we can,” said Titus.
He says more than 200 hauling units are going around the county to pick up debris and mulch, with over 500 disaster recovery personnel on the ground as well.
Titus also stated that there are currently 4 counties that have removed 1 million cubic yards of debris, and says Columbia County tops that list.
“Columbia County is the only one (that we know of) that has removed 3 million cubic yards of debris to date,” said Titus. “By all accounts, there are more heavy equipment, hauling units, boots on the ground, and more debris removal in Columbia County than anywhere else in the Southeast.”
The deadline for homeowners to get their debris on the right of way has not been set for the moment.
Leaders will give a heads notice as soon as they know when the first pass will be complete.