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County reports 3.3 million cubic yards of Helene debris removed; demolition timeline still unresolved
Summary
Buncombe County staff said more than 3.3 million cubic yards of debris have been removed in response to Tropical Storm Helene, private-property cleanups are nearly complete and temporary debris sites should close by month’s end; demolition funding and timing remain under federal review.
County staff updated commissioners on July 15 about debris removal following Tropical Storm Helene, saying 3,315,783 cubic yards have been removed to date and that private-property cleanup and temporary debris-site closures are approaching completion.
Dan Peterson, county staff presenter on debris operations, said the total debris removed "is kind of appropriation to how much debris has been managed, to date through these programs," and compared the volume to roughly 1,000 Olympic swimming pools to convey scale.
Peterson reported the right-of-way expedited debris mission removed about 1,500,000 cubic yards and that private property debris-removal (PPDR) operations had completed cleanup at 4,647 parcels, leaving "around 400 plus" remaining applications to be completed. He said roughly 161,000 cubic yards had been removed through the PPDR program.
On temporary debris sites, Peterson said the county anticipates no more incoming material at most sites and expects full closeout by the end of the month; the Inca site in Asheville remains in limited operation as a joint city–county facility.
Peterson said demolition of eligible structures remains under review with federal and state partners, and that "funding questions" are ongoing. He described applications routed through Tetra Tech and FEMA, with additional environmental and historic-preservation reviews at the state SHPO adding time to decisions.
The county is also exploring processing options for wood biomass, including a pilot biochar system observed in Haywood County. Peterson cited vendor data for a TigerCat carbonizer that "around a million dollars" to purchase, requires about seven full-time staff and uses roughly 240 gallons of water per hour, and said officials are also exploring biomass power and firewood programs in coordination with state DEQ and local nonprofits.
Commissioners praised the debris team for meeting major milestones. The county reiterated the Helene debris management email for resident questions: helene@buncombecounty.gov.
