The 2020 October ice storm is believed to have left the Guthrie area with a historic amount of limbs and debris to clean up. Now the process of getting it all cleaned is not completely not known at this time.
Based on the best information available, City leaders said a 2004 storm left 35,230 cubic yards of limbs and debris that the City was allowed to burn. In 2015, 10,000 cubic yards were permitted to burn.
The latest storm damage using a windshield survey and best estimate is 220,000 cubic yards of limbs and debris in Guthrie.
Both the City of Edmond and City of Norman both agree that the number of limbs and debris generated by this year’s ice storm is the largest amount of storm debris they have ever faced.
In other words, the clean up process will take some time.
“This is going to be a lengthy process and patience will be necessary,” Guthrie City Manager Leroy Alsup said.
The City of Guthrie has submitted the required documentation to have a temporary storm debris collection at Guthrie Convenience Center (1506 N. Academy Road).
DEQ Personnel were scheduled to inspect the proposed Guthrie site on Monday for approval. However, as of 4 p.m. DEQ officials had not been in town to inspect.
If approved, the City can publicize its availability to Guthrie residents as to the hours of operations.
Related article: City outlines options for limb and debris removal
The City has multiple options to disposing of storm debris from the temporary collection site, including open burn storm debris, which the City has submitted an Open Burn Permit request to DEQ for their consideration.
Another option includes disposed of storm debris using a tub grinder contract through the City of Edmond to grind the debris into wood chips that can be land applied. The City of Edmond has put out a bid notice and should have bids back in a couple of weeks. This chipping option will not be available immediately due to these companies being busy in regions that have experienced hurricanes.
Using 2015 costs ($1.49 per cubic yard), the City could face a $327,000 grinding cost for the estimated 220,000 cubic yards of debris.
Approval of FEMA Reimbursement (75%) is likely but has not been approved at this time.
A third option of disposal is at a landfill through the City’s existing contract with Waste Connections. It would cost $11.23 per cubic yard, or an estimated $2,470,600 for 220,000 cubic yards or $1,123,000 for 100,000 cubic yards.
The Guthrie city council is scheduled to meet on Nov. 10 and are expected to decide if the City will provide free curbside pickup citywide.
Will Guthrie follow the City of Edmond’s lead and limit city storm debris pickup to residential homes, but not include businesses/churches or apartment complexes?
Tree debris would have to be cut into no more than six (6) foot sections and be placed within ten (10) feet of the curb of the residence. Residents would be asked to avoid piling debris on or near water meters, gas meters, mailboxes, fire hydrants or irrigation systems.
Will the City’s existing manpower and equipment be expected to provide curbside pickup?
“With limited manpower and equipment, it would take an extended period of time to complete the citywide curbside pickup and it would impact our ability to provide current services and complete some on-going projects,” Alsup said.
Does the City want to find a third-party contractor to do the citywide curbside pickup?
Alsup said, “Response will be delayed, because we will have to go through a public bid process to select the third-party contractor.”
A cost estimated is not currently known for the third-party option.
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