Metro Asks Residents to Set Out Flood Debris for Pickup by June 1

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Metro Asks Residents to Set Out Flood Debris for Pickup by June 1

Public Works to downsize truck fleet; residents have another weekend to place items curbside

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro residents with flood debris have until next Tuesday, June 1st, to place their items at the street or curbside for collection as the Public Works Department prepares to end countywide cleanup and move into infrastructure repair phase of work.

Public Works and contract crews have removed over 250,000 cubic yards of residential flood debris -- the equivalent of more than 60,000 tons -- from neighborhoods across Davidson County, and officials plan to begin scaling back the number of vehicles and crews working to clean up the massive amounts of debris left behind from historic flooding earlier this month.

"After seventeen consecutive days of trucks running countywide routes, and the majority of residential flood debris having been removed from homes and neighborhoods, we feel it's time to start downsizing the fleet and moving to the next phase of cleanup and recovery," Public Works Director Billy Lynch said.

"Our goal was to remove the bulk of residential debris from Metro streets as quickly and efficiently as possible, and with that behind us, the department needs to focus on recovering the city's infrastructure by making permanent repairs to roads and bridges that were damaged in the flood."

"We will continue to assist homeowners with debris removal, but on a smaller scale, and we're asking everyone who still has items for pick up to please get them out as soon as possible," Lynch added.

After the final day for countywide debris collection next Tuesday, a few Public Works vehicles will continue limited clean-up and recovery work for several days. However, crews from SRS and DRC, the companies hired to assist Metro with cleanup and recovery efforts, will continue sorting flood debris and transporting the items to appropriate landfill facilities for disposal.

A total of 115 Metro roadways were closed during the flood, and all have been re-opened except Pumping Station Road, which is still being reconstructed. Public Works reported to FEMA a cost estimate of $17 million needed for repairing Metro roads, bridges and traffic signals.

In addition, Public Works crews discovered six roads that experienced slope movement, and dispatched a geotechnical engineer to inspect them. Department enigineering inspectors continue to monitor these areas. The locations are: Poplar Creek Road near McCrory Lane; Crocker Springs Road; Tinnin Road; Baker Station Road; Big East Fork near Hwy 96; and 1265 Campbell Road.

With the majority of flood debris now removed, many residents have started the task of rebuilding their homes and other properties damaged by flooding.

Officials remind citizens that disposing of any debris from remodeling or new construction projects is the responsibility of the private contractor hired to conduct the work. Public Works will remove flood debris only.

Homeowners that have small amounts of "do-it-yourself" construction or demolition waste such as drywall, wood, carpet, etc. can bring those items to Metro's East or Omohundro Residential Waste and Recycling Facilities:

East Center
943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr
Nashville, TN 37207
862-8631
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7:30am-5:00pm; Sun. Noon-4:00pm

Omohundro Center
1019 Omohundro Place (entrance on Freightliner Drive)
Nashville, TN 37210
880-1955
Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 8:00am-4:30pm

No oversized loads or vehicles with commercial tags are allowed at Metro Convenience Centers. All loose materials should be bagged. Household hazardous waste (such as paint, cleaners and solvents), as well as flood-damaged electronics, should be taken to the East Convenience Center.

The Public Works website features a Construction and Demolition Directory of private companies and other vendors residents can contact about disposal. The link is http://www.nashville.gov/Recycle/Construction.asp . Residents who have questions can call 311 or Public Works Customer Service at 880-1000.

Complete information is also available at www.nashville.gov/recycle.

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