Storm Debris Management Updates. Stay updated with the latest information. As this situation is constantly evolving, please check our updates.
McDowell County property owners (unincorporated areas and cities) impacted by Hurricane Helene have three options for debris removal.
1 - Public Right of Way (ROW) Debris Pickup
Debris from your property that you can get to the right of way (next to the roadway without obstructing traffic, garbage cans, mailboxes, or utility structures) is being picked up in all areas of the county on an ongoing basis. There is no cost for this debris pickup, and you do not need to apply. There will be multiple rounds of pickup, so you do not have to have all your debris to the right of way immediately.
2 - Private Right of Way (ROW) Debris Pickup For Private Communities, Subdivisions, and Private Roads
For private communities, subdivisions, and private roads, FEMA has approved a program under the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program that includes debris pickup on the Right of Way (ROW). Residents in these areas must ensure their debris is moved to within 10 feet of the ROW on their private roads to be eligible for removal. This program allows private communities, subdivisions, and private roads to apply for ROW debris pickup under the PPDR Program. Please note: There will only be ONE pass for debris removal in these areas, so residents should ensure all debris is properly placed for collection.
3 - Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Demolition
Owners who cannot take their debris to the right of way (ROW) for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property for FREE through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.
How long will the process take?
The PPDR program requires a very thorough process to determine eligibility. Hurricane Hurricane Helene created a significant amount of debris across McDowell County, impacting both public and private properties. Debris removal will be a lengthy process and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes and communities.
What types of debris and demolition are eligible under the PPDR program?
Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property.
Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.
What is NOT eligible under the program?
Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas.
Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.
What is an ROE and why would I need to submit one?
A Right of Entry (ROE) form, signed by all property owners, is legally required before contractors providing PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. A right-of-entry is a voluntary document. Your land is private, and it is your decision to grant access. You may withdraw from the program at any time prior to the start of debris removal or demolition activities on your property.
For private communities with an HOA, one representative may complete the ROE as the authorized agent.
A letter from the HOA acknowledging the request for storm debris pickup is required. A template for this letter is available for your convenience.
Individuals who cannot move debris to the right of way can apply for PPDR individually for your property.
Contact by Emergency Management:
A representative from McDowell County Emergency Management will contact the authorized agent within 72 hours of submission to discuss the request.
Approval Submission:
McDowell County Emergency Management will submit your request to FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for approval.
Scheduling of Debris Pickup:
If approved, USACE will schedule contractors to remove the debris.
Notification of Timeline:
An Emergency Management official will contact the property owner/authorized agent to communicate the timeline and provide instructions for residents.
For further assistance, contact McDowell County Emergency Services at 828-652-3241. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.
Please have these documents readily available when you apply:
Government Issued ID A color copy of your driver’s license, passport, or Real ID for each property owner.
Power of Attorney and/or a resolution on letterhead from the HOA (if using an Authorized Agent) on behalf of all owners on the deed.
Insurance Policy A copy of Declaration Pages, Debris Removal coverage section/page, and Statement of Losses (if an adjuster has visited the property).
Sketch of Property identifying the locations of all hazards (This can be a simple, hand-drawn sketch that is uploaded, or you can draw it electronically in the application).
If your property is in a trust, the signatory authority will need to sign and you will need to bring the trust paperwork.
If one of the owners has passed away, a death certificate will need to be provided.
Residential and Commercial Right-of-way Debris Collection in McDowell County.
The community can begin to place sorted debris to the curb in the right-of-way.
Do not bag debris.
Debris should be separated at the curb by category:
Construction & demolition & bulky items: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.
Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Do not leave the doors unsealed or unsecured. Place refrigerators with door facing ground to prevent door opening.
Electronics: TV, computer, stereo, phone, DVD players
Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants, stumps, trees.
Household Hazardous Waste: Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies. Ensure all material is contained/closed and will not spill.
