Wilson County EMA: FEMA rep to review new debris-removal rules as county coordinates pickup and volunteers
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Summary
Wilson County EMA staff said FEMA has updated debris-removal procedures after a recent storm; staging and TDEC permitting mean organized curbside pickup likely won’t begin until next week. County leaders thanked shelter operators and volunteer groups aiding recovery.
Wilson County EMA staff told the committee that FEMA has changed how it will oversee debris removal after the recent storm, and a FEMA representative is scheduled to meet with local officials tomorrow to explain the new requirements. "Our rep from FEMA is coming tomorrow at 1 to discuss that with all the cities and us," one staff member said.
The changes mean the county must identify and secure TDEC-permitted staging sites before large-scale pickup, staff said, and that inspections and additional paperwork will be required before contractors can begin hauling debris. Staff said equipment will be staged at the Ag Center (as transcribed) and that, because of the new administrative steps, curbside pickup is not expected to start until at least next week.
Committee members and residents described large and growing cleanup needs. Staff reported preliminary county damage estimates of about $1.2 million so far, which could rise toward $2 million as sheriff’s office and road commission figures are received. Staff emphasized that those figures are preliminary and still being compiled.
Members also discussed volunteer and nonprofit partners who have assisted with recovery work. One commissioner thanked county staff for operating a warming shelter during the event and singled out Melissa Sizemore for on-the-ground assistance. Committee members noted the county has relied on groups such as Team Rubicon, the Southern Baptist volunteers and Methodist-affiliated relief teams in past events and during the current response.
Officials urged residents with debris needs to register with Crisis Cleanup so volunteer teams can coordinate clearing and staging; staff said Crisis Cleanup registration helps ensure curbside material is identified for contractor pickup once staging and permitting are complete. "We're pretty confident that we won't be doing any kind of pickup until at least next week," a committee member said.
Next steps: FEMA will meet with local leaders to review the updated debris-removal standards; staff will continue to identify permitted staging sites and publish pickup schedules once those sites are approved and contractors are scheduled.