St. Martin Parish Government has provided a breakdown of information for residents following hurricane Delta. They touch on storm debris disposal, damage, and mosquito abatement.
STORM DEBRIS
A preliminary assessment by the parish’s storm debris contractors reflect that there is 30,000 to 40,000 cubic yards of debris which must be collected. St. Martin Parish estimates that 95% of the storm debris is yard waste which is defined as logs, plants, tree branches, and similar vegetation matter.
On Moday, President Cedars conferred with representatives from both the debris contractor and the FEMA mandated monitoring firm. On Tuesday, a Notice to Proceed was transmitted to each contractor to expedite the collection process, and one of the project managers personally met with and discussed the collection procedures with President Cedars and members of the Public Works Department.
The parish anticipates that debris collection will commence on Monday, October 19, 2020.
Because of the volume of debris to be collected and disposed of, it will take a number of weeks to complete the clean-up. Therefore, as soon as possible, residents are encouraged to place the waste generated by the storm at the edge of their property. If a residence has a sidewalk, the debris should be placed on of the “road side” of the sidewalk.
Instructions for the collection of yard waste and other related storm debris:
- All yard waste (logs, plants, and tree branches) must be segregated from all other waste such as household waste, construction debris, and white goods which may have been damaged/destroyed by the storm;
- All debris should be placed on the edge of the property line so that it does not encroach upon any street/road or drainage lateral. Do not place any debris beneath any power or other utility lines.
- Do not place any debris near or on trees, poles, fire hydrants, meters, or any other structure.
Storm debris collection is expected to take several weeks.
PERSONAL DAMAGES
Anyone who has any residential property damages as a result of Hurricane Delta should report them to the Parish’s Office of Emergency Preparedness. FEMA assistance to individuals is dependent on the total of damages in a Parish.
As of Tuesday October 13, there has been no federal declaration providing for individual assistance since parishes are currently conducting the necessary property damage assessments.Anyone who has residential damage which may be insured should contact his/her insurance company even if it appears the amount of damages may be within their policy’s deductible limits.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
President Cedars continues to remain in contact with the Parish’s mosquito contractor in anticipation of an increase in mosquitos as a consequence of the storm. The Parish is particularly interested in determining whether any mosquito pool produces a positive test for disease which will warrant immediate and enhanced spraying in the affected area. Aerial spraying is an option which will continue to be considered although the timing for such a decision may be some days away.
The Parish has contacted the Department of Health and GOHSEP advising that aerial spraying remains on the Parish’s radar. It is anticipated that we will see an increase in flood water mosquitos which are biologically referred to as Psorophora Columbiae.
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