Asheville – The City of Asheville recently introduced a Storm Debris Dashboard aimed at improving transparency regarding the ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. This new tool, accessible on the Asheville Recovers website, provides real-time data on debris collection, including total cubic yards collected and progress updates.
Detailed Data for Community Insight
The dashboard offers comprehensive information, detailing the total cubic yards of debris collected from various sources, including right-of-way and waterways. It also tracks tons of mud and silt collected, as well as the number of private properties approved for the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program. This initiative marked a shift from the previous “progress meter,” which estimated debris at 3 million cubic yards, to a more accurate total volume display. Kim Miller, Communication Specialist for the City of Asheville, explained, “The new approach breaks out the type of debris and totals in greater detail,” emphasizing that some materials are measured in tons rather than cubic yards.
The initial estimate of 3 million cubic yards was based on aerial assessments and on-the-ground observations immediately following the storm. However, as debris removal efforts progressed, it became clear that this figure was an overestimation. Miller noted that “the preliminary numbers were intended to guide response efforts, not as a precise measure of final totals.” She added that not all debris tracked was included in the cubic yard totals, as some materials like vehicles and mud were counted as individual units or tons.
As debris removal operations continued, city crews worked diligently to collect and dispose of all storm debris within city limits. Residents were encouraged to apply for the PPDR program by April 15 to facilitate the removal of remaining debris from private properties.
The City of Asheville has taken proactive steps to ensure residents are informed about the PPDR program and its application deadline. Information regarding local, state, and federal assistance guidelines has been available on the Asheville Recovers website since its launch in early February. Miller stated, “It was developed as a way for the community to more readily find important information related to Helene recovery in one place.” The site allows community members to track recovery items of interest directly and sign up for project updates via email.
In addition to online resources, the City utilized social media platforms and traditional media sources to disseminate information throughout the community. City staff communicated through AVL alerts and various neighborhood and business meetings. The Flood Assistance Support (FAST) team also engaged with flood-plain impacted community members to share vital information. Furthermore, Buncombe County, designated as the lead organization in emergencies by North Carolina law, consistently amplified this information across its platforms.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the overestimation of debris quantities, Miller highlighted that initial estimates were made with caution due to numerous unknown factors in the storm’s aftermath. She remarked, “We have long recognized the benefits of planning and communicating with partners,” underscoring the importance of coordination among City, County, and Federal entities in providing services and information to the community.
Miller noted that the experience gained from this recent natural disaster reinforced the effectiveness of their emergency preparedness plan. “We now have additional experience in coordinating with other agencies quickly and efficiently,” she stated, emphasizing that this knowledge would enhance future disaster response strategies and assessments.
As Asheville continues its recovery journey, the Storm Debris Dashboard stands as a testament to the City’s commitment to transparency and effective communication with its residents. The ongoing efforts to collect and manage storm debris reflect a broader strategy aimed at ensuring community resilience in the face of natural disasters.