Storm Debris Removal: Key Information

Helene debris removal is happening in different areas. As of June 3, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reporting:

• Right-of-way: 100% complete; 1,009,693 cubic yards removed
• Private Property Debris Removal: 60% complete; 3,224 parcels completed
• Waterway Debris Removal: 81% complete, 1,201,460 cubic yards removed

PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY - Update as of April 1, 2025: Right-of-way debris removal has ended in Buncombe County after 6 months of operations.

According to USACE, 1,009,693 cubic yards of debris was removed in Buncombe County.

You can call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100 to report any piles of debris still left over for documentation:

• Reporting right-of-way debris helps us understand where help is still needed, but it is not a guarantee that the debris will be picked up. 
• April 11 was the official cutoff date that FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are using to track and prioritize debris hotspots. So any locations we are currently gathering will not get picked up right away. 
• By making a report, you are helping County staff get a better idea of what remains, this will help us determine what other solutions we can provide outside of the FEMA and USACE deadline. 

PRIVATE PROPERTY DEBRIS REMOVAL - Applications for the Private Property Debris Removal program closed on April 15, 2025.

The program is currently 60% complete with 3,224 parcels completed.

• If you have applied for Private Property Debris Removal and you have concerns about the work that was done on your property after it was completed, please email DebrisManagementHelene@buncombecounty.org.
• If you have questions about the status of your application, call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.

REMOVAL OF DAMAGED VEHICLE, TRAILERS, TANKS & MORE - many types of titled property, including vehicles, trailers, tanks, and recreational vehicles, were displaced in the storm. Buncombe County has been removing abandoned vehicles from unincorporated areas.

WATERWAY DEBRIS REMOVAL - Crews with USACE contractor AshBritt are removing all types of eligible debris including vegetative, construction and demolition, titled property (boats, cars, etc.), white goods (washers, dryers, refrigerators) and hazardous waste.

Crews have removed 1,201,460 cubic yards with 81% complete.