Buncombe County Helene response and recovery updates – Nov. 18

Press release from Buncombe County:

Storm Debris Update 
Over 174,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in Buncombe County. Currently, there are 39 trucks Running in Buncombe County, removing debris from all zones in the County. The Private Property Debris Removal program is active with an official launch on Tuesday, November 19. The online application option is live here. Residents can also reach out to the OneBuncombe call center with questions about debris at 828-250-6100.

Water Restoration Updates
North Fork Reservoir: As of Monday morning, the turbidity reading was 14.5. Water Resources lab staff finished sampling the distribution system early Sunday afternoon and samples incubated for 18 hours. Results were free of E. coli and coliform, which allowed the City of Asheville’s Water Resources Department to lift the Boil Water Notice today.

Boil Water Notice Lifted: Based on lab results and the flushing process that began on Oct. 30, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department has lifted the Boil Water Notice. Raw water has been replaced with treated water throughout the system. Customers may resume normal usage of the water system. They encourage customers to temporarily avoid large-volume activities like filling bathtubs, watering landscaping, filling swimming pools and abnormally long showers.

Lead Awareness: Water Resources advises that residents with plumbing installed before 1988 follow a flushing protocol with each water use by running cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before gathering water for consumption. That process should be followed daily. More information about lead and testing kits can be found here.

Army Corps of Engineers Interim Pre-Treatment System: The private contractor for The Army Corps of Engineers continues construction of a mobile treatment system. Materials and equipment are arriving daily.

Fire Risk with Damaged Lithium-Ion Batteries

Over the weekend, Buncombe County firefighters responded to a residential fire caused by storm-damaged lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are often found in devices such as E-bikes, golf carts and electric vehicles.

Residents should notify their local fire department if they have lithium-ion batteries that might have been exposed to flooding are in your home or garage.

Lithium-ion batteries that have been exposed to possible damage need to be properly disposed of. Follow the guidance below:

• Place flood damaged lithium-ion powered products in metal or non-combustible tubs and keep at least 6 feet away from debris and structures.
• Do not put lithium-ion battery-powered products in with storm debris for pick up.
• Never put lithium-ion batteries inside garbage or recycle carts or bins.

Hazard Mitigation Grant
Buncombe County residents can receive funding to make their homes more resilient through home projects that reduce the long-term risk and impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, wildfires, and storms.

Through the program, there are three home or property projects including elevation, home mitigation reconstruction, and acquisition.

• The elevation project raises the home as is and builds a new foundation that raises the first floor above the 100-year flood elevation.
• The mitigation reconstruction project demolishes the old home, builds a new, higher foundation and a new home on the foundation.
• The acquisition project buys the property from the homeowner at the value of the property the day prior to the disaster, the home is demolished, and the property remains as greenspace into perpetuity.

In all 3 of these programs, FEMA provides 75% of the cost and the State pays the 25% match; there is no cost to the homeowner. Applications are open now and can be submitted online. To apply online, watch this 8-minute video and complete the 5-minute Grant Information Request. Online applications will be open for a year.

FEMA 
FEMA funding is available to support repairs on private roads and bridges, even if the owner’s home is not damaged. These funds are available through the agency’s Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs. To apply for this and other FEMA assistance go to disasterassistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362, or visit the Disaster Recovery Center open every day at the Asheville Mall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.