Hurricane Gustav Debris Removal Update

DEBRIS REMOVAL TO BE COMPLETED IN 7-10 DAYS, CONTRACTOR SAYS

St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. and parish officials Wednesday met with contractors to discuss the progress of garbage pickup and debris removal around the parish.

Coastal Waste Services began regular household garbage pickup Sept. 5. District Manager Gus Bordelon reports that all locations in St. Charles Parish have been serviced as of Sept. 9. Because of the high volume of household waste being left curbside, residents can expect at least some delay in service, he said. His company has added two garbage trucks to its usual fleet of six to handle the extra work.

Garbage pickup continues to be completed as closely as possible to the normal schedule.

Debris removal began in earnest on Sept. 9, with 4,058 cubic yards collected on the first day and 5,890 cubic yards collected the next. Bordelon estimates his crews will collect over 100,000 cubic yards of debris in total.

Bordelon expects crews to complete their first sweep of the parish in 7 to 10 days, with a second pass beginning thereafter. Twenty-eight crews are now actively working in all council districts.

Officials are continuing to urge residents to separate 'green' debris (leaves, branches, etc.) from construction debris and household garbage. Bagged leaves are considered storm debris and will be picked up separately from household garbage. Debris must be placed curbside away from ditches in order to be removed. These small steps will save time and help crews complete their tasks more quickly.

Parish officials have been told that FEMA will handle debris removal along Louisiana state highways. State highways in St. Charles Parish include Paul Maillard Road and Barton Ave. in Luling, Apple Street in Norco, Bayou Gauche Road in Bayou Gauche and Old Spanish Trail in Boutte. 

Parish Public Works crews will continue to remove hazardous debris in the interest of safety.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has hired Aspundh Tree Service to handle debris removal along these roadways. The estimated time frame for completion is three to four weeks.