Full Notification

Debris Collection Update: Expanded Routes and Multiple Passes Planned
As of November 4th, 6 debris collection trucks are deployed throughout the county collecting debris along the NC Department of Transportation right-of-ways. Additional trucks and routes will be added tentatively this week and will be announced as soon as they are live. This week, efforts will expand to US 221 North, NC 80 and the City of Marion. As debris collection trucks make their first pass, it is important for citizens to remember that these trucks will make multiple passes along the right of way. You do not need to place all of your debris out at one time.

Debris Collection, What You Need To Know

How do I know if my road is a NCDOT primary or secondary road? You can search the NCDOT Database for secondary roads at: https://apps.ncdot.gov/srlookup/ Or you can view a map of all NCDOT maintained roadways at: https://www.nconemap.gov/maps/NCDOT::ncdot-state-maintained-roads/about/

Are there any size requirements for vegetative debris? No, there are no size requirements for vegetative storm debris. No additional processing is needed for size reduction. Just make sure to place at the DOT right-of-way (ROW) and USACE will collect debris.

What about mud/soil? Mud/soil should be pushed or piled on the roadsides for future collection.

USACE came to my community, but they haven’t collected my debris, why? The first phase of the clean-up process includes a USACE debris refinement team, these teams will arrive prior to pick-up to ensure each home has their disaster related debris properly sorted. Even after pick-up has begun, there may be multiple teams that collect debris from your ROW over multiple days. To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris. These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

Will they pick up my bagged household trash? No, USACE & AshBritt will not collect bagged household trash. Please continue to use your regular waste disposal services for these items. If you typically have city or town pickup, they should be running their usual routes; please verify with your local municipality. For those who utilize county disposal sites or the landfill, these services will remain available.

Protect Your Health: Steps for Safe Well Water After Flooding – Contact McDowell Health Department at 828-652-6811

Excessive rain and flooding can cause water in private wells to become contaminated, meaning the water can make people sick if it is consumed. People with medical conditions can be particularly susceptible to severe illness or even death related to dangerous bacteria from contaminated wells. After a flood, your private well must be assessed for damage, disinfected and tested. It is critical that people do not drink or use water from a private well that has been damaged or flooded until it has been properly disinfected and tested after the storm. Potentially contaminated water should not be used for drinking, washing and preparing food, making ice, preparing baby formula, washing dishes, brushing teeth or washing hands. Use an alternative water source until testing confirms contamination is no longer detected in your water. Alternative sources include bottled water, a source you know isn't contaminated or boiling your water for at least one minute before use. Follow these steps to assess your well: Wait to turn on electricity. Do not turn on the electricity to your pump until flood waters recede. Check your well for damage. If your well is damaged, contact a licensed well driller for assistance. You can search for well contractors in your county at Find Certified Well Contractors. Disinfect your well. If you are able to determine your well is not damaged, and you already have the necessary disinfection materials on-hand, you can disinfect your well to prepare it to be tested. Use the NCDHHS instructions on How to Disinfect Your Well After a Flood for assistance. If you do not have disinfectant supplies or have questions about disinfecting your well, contact McDowell County Health Department at 828-652-6811 and press 4. Test your well. Because you cannot see, taste or smell bacterial contamination in your well, it is imperative to have the water tested after disinfection to determine whether it is safe for use. The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health provides free testing available through local health departments. Contact your local health department to get your well tested. They will either send someone to collect a sample from your well or be able to supply you with a kit to get a sample yourself. If you live near animal feeding operations, agricultural fields where pesticides are applied or industrial chemical factories, you should talk with your local health department about additional testing, especially if you smell fuel or chemicals in your water. Interpret your results. Your local health department or testing lab will provide the water testing results back to you as quickly as possible. If you need help interpreting your results, you can use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina) or contact the NCDHHS Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900 or [email protected].

24/7 Helene Hotline: Support and Resources for McDowell County Residents

The Helene Hotline in McDowell County remains fully staffed around the clock to provide vital support for those affected by the storm. Our dedicated team is here to connect residents with volunteer resources and guide them through available assistance options. With the Emergency Operations Center actively engaged, local Emergency Management representatives are embedded in the hardest-hit communities, offering on-the-ground support and ensuring that residents receive timely help and information when they need it most. For assistance, call 828-652-3241.

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