Getting Rid of Storm Debris

Now that power has been restored to East Windsor, officials are mulling over what to do with debris left from the storm.

The board of selectmen, current and newly-elected members, Wednesday discussed what to do with the estimated 25,000 cubic yards of brush lying around the community.  Public Works Director Leonard Norton said the cost to hire contractors to remove the material could be as much as $900,000.

If the storm is designated as a major disaster by the Federal government, FEMA could reimburse municipalities 75 percent of the cost of removing the debris, officials said.

First Selectwoman Denise Menard said other communities are moving to remove the debris believing they will be reimbursed by FEMA. She said East Windsor officials are waiting to receive more information before deciding whether to take on the cost of hiring someone to pick up the debris.

For now, residents are being advised that storm-related debris (brush and logs) may be brought to the town public works property at the corner of Scantic Road and Woolam Road (at no charge) in the driveway until further notice. Those who can’t are being asked to pile their debris in their front yards about three feet back from the road.

Norton said with a crew of seven people, the public works department doesn’t have the ability to pick up and dispose of all of the debris left from the storm.

Selectman John Burnham said he believes that the town’s only responsibility is to remove the brush and logs that fell on town roads during the storm. He said he doesn’t think the town should pick up brush from residents’ property.

“We’re paying for people to clean their own backyards,” Burnham said.

The brush can be left on people’s property until breaks down or the residents can pay private contractors to take it away, Burnham said.

Selectman Gilbert Hayes said people ate expecting the town to do something after the disaster. There are taxpayers in town who are unable to bring their brush to the town, he said.

“The brush is up and down every street in this town,” Hayes said. “It would look like crap.”

Alan Baker, a selectman-elect, said the priority should be getting all of the debris off town streets, but he’s noticed that residents have been piling the debris in the front of their properties as they’re expecting things to be picked up.

Selectman Richard Pippin said the town could lease heavy duty wood chippers and hire part-time workers or subcontractors to help dispose of the brush. He said the debris can’t be left on the properties and the streets.

“We’re going to have to deal with this,” Pippin said.

Two local businessmen Herbert Holden, who owns a trucking company, and Dennis Botticello, who has open land, and wood chippers and grinders, have offered to haul away and dispose of the debris.

They are still discussing how much they would charge with town officials, but Holden said Wednesday that he believes removal of the debris should be handled by town businesses.  Holden said his trucks could gather the debris and haul it Botticello’s property where it can be handled.

Menard said the board needs more information and will have to meet again soon to make a decision.