Bulloch County reports nearly 260,000 cubic yards of storm debris collected; officials promise final push

Bulloch County public-works staff told commissioners Tuesday that crews and contractors have collected nearly 260,000 cubic yards of storm debris and expect to exceed 300,000 cubic yards before cleanup concludes.

Robert Seaman, assistant director of public works, reported the county has 24 hauling contractors working daily and had collected 259,965 cubic yards to date. “We’re going to push every bit of 300,000 cubic yards plus before we get finished,” Seaman said. He added crews have removed 29,769 hazardous leaners and the county has mulched about 14,700 cubic yards (roughly 138 tractor-trailer loads).

Seaman said the county continues to add newly reported locations to contractor lists and that staff has asked residents to send addresses for remaining storm-related piles. He clarified that crews will collect debris that is contiguous to the public right-of-way but will not clear debris located deep within private farm fields.

Why this matters: debris volume determines contractor workload, schedule and eligibility for FEMA reimbursement. Commissioners asked about the 120- and 180-day FEMA timelines; Seaman said the county can request a 180-day extension for debris operations if needed and has done so for previous storms.

Seaman said staff will try to alert residents as the final-push window approaches and asked residents to place only storm-related materials at the road edge so contractors do not pick up noneligible yard waste. County leaders said they will use the county portal, the county website and social media to announce final collection schedules.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; Seaman’s update was informational and commissioners thanked public-works staff for ongoing cleanup efforts.