COUNTYWIDE DISASTER DEBRIS PICK-UPS START TODAY

Metro residents advised to move parked vehicles so trucks have room to work NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This morning, a combined fleet of nearly 80 trucks began running multiple routes collecting discarded furniture, appliances and other disaster debris from flood-ravaged homes in Davidson County. Mayor Karl Dean joined Lynch and other Public Works officials today when trucks began leaving the staging area in Parking Lot “B” at LP Field. Two Alabama-based companies specializing in disaster recovery have been contracted by Metro to provide trucks, equipment and crews to work along with Metro’s Public Works fleet of 17 vehicles. The companies are Storm Reconstruction Services (SRS), Inc. and The DRC Group. “These firms bring the trucks, personnel and disaster recovery experience that our city needs right now to assist Public Works and all citizens of Nashville with cleaning up after the worst flood we’ve ever had,” Public Works Director Billy Lynch said. The department has been using all available trucks and equipment to collect debris in the areas hardest hit by last week's historic flood, but Lynch said officials knew early on outside help would be needed. “We began sending out Public Works trucks on Wednesday as soon as flood waters began to recede," Lynch said. "It quickly became evident that additional resources would be required.” The SRS and DRC crews will be picking up debris using a grid based on MPW’s 12 brush collection routes. Public Works has already identified the affected areas, and Lynch said drivers have been instructed to pick up "whatever debris residents have placed curbside.” Citizens are being asked to separate their items, so Public Works can sort them later for proper disposal. All items should be placed at the street for easier access by the trucks. Vehicles parked on the street need to be moved so debris trucks can reach the piles. According to Metro officials, both SRS and DRC have extensive experience in coordinating disaster recovery operations after hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. In addition, SRS Inc. provided Metro brush collection from 2006-2008. Complete listings of the companies' previous work for federal, state and local governments can be found on their websites: www.stormreconstruction.com www.drcusa.com The complete Residential Disaster Debris Collection guidelines are available on the Public Works website at www.nashville.gov/pw . While debris collection efforts take center stage this week, Lynch said numerous other Public Works crews continue working to repair roads, bridges and traffic signals. Metro's trash and recycling collections have resumed and operating on schedule. "Regular brush collections have been suspended so those drivers and vehicles can be used for the recovery efforts, but all other Public Works services are up and running," Lynch said. Roadway crews are repairing streets damaged by flooding, sinkholes and mudslides, and getting them re-opened for traffic. Engineering crews are monitoring and repairing traffic signals. Other Public Works employees are supervising and coordinating Metro Beautification volunteers, crews from the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, Drug Court and community service workers who are assisting with cleanup. Metro Recycle Convenience Centers All three Metro Convenience Centers are open at regular operating hours, and Public Works is allowing residents to make one extra free visit each day to dispose of trash and debris. (While disaster recovery efforts are underway, Davidson County residents can visit a Metro convenience center three times a day, instead of two.) Household hazardous waste (such as paint, cleaners and solvents), as well as flood-damaged electronics can be taken to the East Convenience Center, 943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Drive (off Trinity Lane). Metro’s other convenience centers are the Omohundro facility, 1019 Omohundro Place (entrance on Freightliner Drive), and in the Rivergate area at 939A Anderson Lane (off Myatt Drive). For more information on Metro’s Convenience Centers visit www.nashville.gov/Recycle/centers.asp . Metro Government/Public Works Call Center The 311/Public Works Customer Service Call Center is fully staffed and operating from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone who has questions or needs assistance with a Metro Government issue can call the following numbers: o 3-1-1 for Metro Government directory assistance and general government information o 862-8750 to report potholes, traffic signal malfunctions, street signs, etc. o 880-1000 for trash, recycling and other Waste Management questions Please visit www.nashville.gov/pw/ for the latest information on the Nashville & Davidson County Disaster Relief Efforts.