Clouds, Showers, and Cleanup Efforts Take Center Stage in Greenwood County
Greenwood County is experiencing a mix of cloudy skies and occasional rain showers this week as the community navigates its way through post-storm recovery. The weather forecast promises a high of 58°F with light northeast winds peaking at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain today hovers around 50%, making it a typical fall day in the area. As evening approaches, expect more rain showers and overcast skies before temperatures dip to a low of 55°F. The rain continues to be a 50% chance overnight with light and variable winds.
Since the arrival of Hurricane Helene, Greenwood County has undertaken significant efforts to clear the aftermath. The storm, which struck in late September, has immensely amplified the strain on local waste management facilities. Prior to Helene, the county’s landfill managed roughly 127 trucks of debris every day. In Helene’s wake, this quantity skyrocketed to a staggering 275 trucks daily. Tonnage has vividly increased as well, from 369 tons daily to an astonishing 721 tons, reflecting the marathon efforts of cleanup crews.
Debris Management & Economic Implications
Suspension of storm debris drop-off fees at the county landfill has been in effect since early October. However, this decision, while beneficial to residents, has resulted in a daily loss of about $1,500 in commercial traffic revenue. Yet, there’s a hope of reimbursement from FEMA, which eases the financial strain slightly. Two months into recovery, the county has amassed approximately $45,000 in losses due to the ongoing waiver of these fees.
Rob Russian, the Director of Greenwood County Public Works, recently briefed the county council on these developments. He highlighted the constant influx of debris trucks, pulling into the landfill every two minutes. “A phenomenal run of trucks,” he commented, signaling the outpour of community and agency efforts to restore normalcy. Russian posed a crucial question during the meeting: when should the county reinstate the landfill fees? Deliberations around extending this waiver into December are already in motion.
Efforts Across Roadways and Infrastructure
Meanwhile, street cleaning continues with dedicated teams from the state’s Department of Transportation (SCDOT), venturing across Greenwood’s roads. Matt Mills, Deputy Director of Public Works, shed light on the meticulous contract in place for road debris clearance. Teams are removing ‘hangers’ and ‘leaners’—damaged trees and limbs posing hazards along thoroughfares. Utilizing 11 bucket trucks, crews have completed work on about 50% of the county. The SCDOT’s 26 units are working fastidiously, having completed roughly 10% of the initial clean-up milestone countywide.
As efforts progress within the City of Greenwood, contractors aspire to finish the city’s initial debris pass within the next two to three weeks. Plans to segment cleanup zones from the city center outwards are set to advance, ensuring all regions receive concentrated attention.
December’s council meeting promises to address ongoing cleanup engagements and evaluate reintroduction of suspended regulations and fees. With continued collaborations among city, county, and state crews, Greenwood County stands resilient, showcasing neighborly spirit and unfaltering resolve in restoring the community.
