Volusia County officials and residents are facing major recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Ian, and government officials will begin a significant portion of that work on Wednesday with the removal of storm debris.
Volusia County officials plan to clear about 300,000 cubic yards of vegetation debris and about 180,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris in parts of the county outside city limits, according to the county public works director. Ben Bartlett told the county council on Tuesday.
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Municipalities within the county have their own plans for debris collection. For example, the city of Daytona Beach will begin clearing storm debris on Monday under contract with a private company.
In unincorporated Volusia, contractors first collect plant debris, then construction and demolition debris, followed by equipment. Residents of the city have to sort the rubble he into three separate piles. Visit codb.us for more information.
Discussions on the debris took place during a lengthy update at the county council meeting on ongoing conditions across the county, including Ian’s impact, flooding. and what lies ahead. The county faces a total of about $147 million in damages and is counting, said George Recktenwald, his county manager.
“We know we need to add over $12 million for the beach area,” he said.
Tropical Storm Debris Guidelines
The county is working to recover hurricane costs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, officials said. As such, the county must follow certain FEMA protocols for debris collection.
“Our goal is to retrieve this debris as quickly and efficiently as possible,” says Bartlett.
County contractors for storm debris removal collect three types of debris from unincorporated areas, Bartlett said. vegetation, construction and demolition, appliances and white goods.
Volusia County has released guidance for placing debris on curbs.
- Debris is placed in separate piles for plant debris, construction and demolition debris, appliances and white goods. Plant debris includes leaves, cuttings, and branches. Construction and demolition debris includes building materials, carpets, furniture, drywall, and fencing. Appliances and white goods include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and stoves, according to the county.
- Do not put plant debris in plastic bags. The bagged debris is left to pick up the yard trash every week. Mixed debris piles are not collected.
- Bring storm debris to public right-of-way, from roads to sidewalks, waterways, utility poles and easements. Do not leave debris on the road. Keep debris away from drains, entrances, mailboxes, and power lines if possible. Do not block storm drains or block fire hydrants.
- If someone hires a contractor to dispose of the debris, make sure the contractor is licensed and insured and either the Tomoka landfill in Port Orange at 1990 Tomoka Farms Road or DeLand’s West at 3151 E. You have to make sure you know to bring the debris to the Volusia Transfer Station. York Ave. Contractors must dispose of debris properly. They can’t put it on the road.
- We do not collect electrical appliances or household hazardous waste. County residents can dispose of these things for free at Tomoka Landfill or West Volusia Transit Station.
Anyone with questions about storm debris should call 800-291-1205. There is also information at volusia.org/pin.
Commissioners and county officials also took time on Tuesday to share stories of Ian’s affected constituents and employees, as well as rescue workers who risked their lives to help people escape. , talked about many aspects of recovery that have yet to come for some residents, including finding new homes, rebuilding, and working through insurance and the FEMA process.
“It’s going to be a very difficult time,” said Rechtenwald.
