Pender County mobilizes debris clean-up plan post storm

PENDER COUNTY – Pender County has entered into a contract with Disaster Recovery Construction (DRC) and have arranged with NC Forestry Service to clear debris post Hurricane Florence.

Chairman George Brown and Commissioner David Williams met with county emergency personnel and county personnel to solidify a debris contract and plan of action.

“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.”

“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.”

“When it is time to clean up post storm, residents should use the designated debris sites,” said Collins. “We will alert citizens to the monitored sites.”

“Storm debris should be divided according to FEMA specifications following Hurricane Florence,” said Keel. “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.

Pender County Emergency Management will post updates on the Facebook page at facebook.com/penderem and on the website http://www.penderem.com. If you need assistance call the EM office at 910- 259-1210.

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