LAPLACE – As St. John the Baptist Parish works to recover from Hurricane Isaac, debris collection is nearing completion and residents are beginning the rebuilding process.

Since initiating storm related debris removal efforts on Sept. 4, an estimated 92 percent of the debris has been collected throughout the Parish and plans are underway to phase out debris removal over the next couple of weeks.

During the final phase of the program, Private Property Debris Removal will proceed with properties inspected and approved by FEMA at Parish President Natalie Robottom’s request. Residents continuing to clean their property are discouraged from placing debris near water meters, fire hydrants, utility lines, etc. to ensure collection runs smoothly.

“We want to clean up the neighborhoods in a timely fashion, therefore, residents are encouraged to clean out their homes and place all debris curbside, said Public Works Director Brian Nunes. “Residents are also asked to assist the parish with the final clean-up by raking small pieces of debris into piles and/or bags.”

Parish officials have developed a phase-out plan for debris removal and requests residents make every effort to clean out and gut their property over the next two weeks. If assistance is needed, residents are asked to contact the “Volunteer Hotline” at 985-359-0254, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

On Oct. 15, the final phase of storm related debris removal will be initiated and beginning Oct. 22, collection will be on an as needed basis or by requests. With most of the debris already collected, and only scattered piles of debris remaining, residents should contact DRC’s hotline at 504-256-1067 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to request pick-up.

“We’ve worked hard to expedite the debris removal process, but understand that every resident may not have completed work on their homes by Oct. 22,” Robottom said. “We encourage residents to put out bulk items for removal while the program is active so rebuilding efforts can begin, but will not stop until all debris is removed.”

DEBRIS REMOVAL REMINDERS:

• Debris must be separated into vegetative (organic, trees, shrubs, stumps, etc), construction & demolition (any treated wood or lumber drywall, roofing materials), white goods (refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers), and household hazardous waste & e-waste (computers, televisions, etc).

• Do not place debris near mail boxes, utility boxes, utility poles, water meters or fire hydrants.

• Do not place piles next to fences or cars.

• Do not place material for pick-up under low wires or overhanging tree limbs. Debris loaders cannot maneuver the collection arm safely under low-hanging objects

• Consider placing debris piles on an old sheet of plywood or other similar material to minimize damage to lawns by the debris loader

• New construction debris is not eligible for pick-up. Contractors are responsible for removal of new construction debris.