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Glynn County: nearly 62,000 cubic yards of Hurricane Helene debris collected; county aims for FEMA reimbursement
Summary
Public Works Director Danny Smith said contractors have hauled 61,803 cubic yards of vegetative debris and that the county now expects about 75,000 cubic yards total; the first pass on Saint Simons Island is complete and the second pass will start after Thanksgiving, with hauling expected to finish mid-December and full project completion mid-January.
Danny Smith, Glynn County public works director, gave commissioners an update on recovery work after Hurricane Helene, focusing on vegetation debris removal.
Smith said the county and its contractor have collected 61,803 cubic yards of vegetative debris (about 1,936 truckloads) as of the day before the Nov. 19 meeting and that the county now estimates a total near 75,000 cubic yards. He reported the first pass is complete on Saint Simons Island and roughly 70% complete on the mainland; Smith estimated the remaining work will proceed more quickly in the western portions of the county.
Smith described operational details: two "leaner hangar" crews address leaning or hazardous trees, 11 hauling units are active countywide and the contractor will begin a second pass after the Thanksgiving holiday. He predicted hauling could be complete in mid-December with full project work (including tub grinding and final disposal) finished by mid-January. Smith said final disposal must meet FEMA requirements for reimbursement and that material cannot be burned; he said Camden County Landfill is the likely final disposal option.
Smith said monitoring required for FEMA reimbursement slows the removal timeline but is necessary to secure federal reimbursement and minimize local taxpayer burden. Commissioners raised questions about ensuring all piles are collected and about sustainable uses for mulched material; Smith said some buyers exist but markets are currently saturated and he warned of liability from long-term mulch stockpiles catching fire.
Smith said the county will notify residents ahead of the second pass and that residents should limit piles to storm-related vegetative debris only; haulers will not pick up mixed trash or bagged leaves.
