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The time to start the cleanup from Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Cayo Costa on Sept. 28 has finally arrived! There have been, unfortunately, various delays the reasons for which will not be covered here. Rather, I choose to get you all as fully informed as possible and get the process underway. It is my understanding that it will take several months before the Cleanup Project is complete and we ask for both your patience and cooperation.
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The company contracted through the State of Florida Dept. of Emergency Management is DRC Emergency Services out of Louisiana. Their barge, “Big Mo” has been placed at the east end of the Airstrip, south of the runway, so as to not interfere with landings and takeoffs. Our thanks to the managers and members of Salty Approach for their cooperation. DRC has already begun the process of off-loading their equipment and they made their final survey of our Island yesterday, accompanied by Chief Martin. They plan to start the collection process tomorrow morning.
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Please keep in mind that the information that follows is subject to change and modification on a regular basis. Given the unique situation of our bridge-less barrier island with no public roadways, we are quite certain that the DRC crews will be making several “adjustments” to both schedules and collection methods as the Project moves forward. Again, please be patient. They are here to help us.
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There have already been more than a few emails posted and circulated by both the UCF&RD and the UCCA regarding the Cleanup Project process and there is no need to repeat their contents. If, for whatever reason, you did not receive or no longer have them, simply refer to either the UCF&RD and/or UCCA websites. It is my understanding that they are still posted and will remain so until the Cleanup Project is done.
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There are some vacant lots around our Island that DRC is considering as possible “staging areas” for debris during the collection process. Quite simply, this would allow for the removal of debris from in front of your house and transfer it to one of the staging areas, pending transfer to Big Mo. Please do not bring any debris to any of these areas on your own. DRC's process is to keep the various types of debris segregated and any commingling and/or additional dumping will only serve to slow the process.
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It is estimated that the “first pass” will take approximately three to four weeks, subject to weather delays, equipment problems and whatever type of Holiday influx we may receive. There will then be a break of a few weeks before the “second pass” gets underway. If necessary, and it probably will be, there will also be a “third pass”. Easter Sunday is April 9th and it is hoped that the Project will be completed by then. (My thought, not theirs)
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Starting tomorrow, DRC will be operating with two crews. One will be responsible for horticultural collection/disposal and the other for construction/demolition (D&C) debris. At this time, DRC is keeping all of their options open and will make decisions as to the method(s) of final disposal as the Project progresses. For example, the horticultural debris may be chipped, ground up, incinerated, barged off in bulk or any combination of those. Big Mo is equipped with a compactor which may be used for horticultural, C&D or both.
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Horticultural debris will be handled on a “priority basis” due to the fire danger that it presents.
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It is my understanding that a DRC rep will be coming through your neighborhood and place a “hang tag” on your door when they will be working in your area. Among other things, this tag will provide you with direct contact info so that you can contact DRC directly with any questions or concerns. There will be no need to contact the UCF&RD, other than for an emergency, nor the UCCA, as this would only cause a delay.
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It is also my understanding that each DRC crew will have a person who will have Right of Entry (ROE) forms. The equipment that they will be using to collect debris has a reach of about 10 feet. If your debris pile extends back more then 10 feet from the edge of the access-way, and you would like DRC to come onto your property to finish the collection process, you will be able to sign the necessary form electronically. Please note that this does NOT mean that they will clean up your property, just that they will collect and remove the debris that has been properly stacked.
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DRC will not be cleaning up any storm debris from our beaches. We are requesting a few volunteers to do so and place whatever is collected with other C&D debris for collection. There is no need to remove driftwood. They will also not be collecting any debris from the State Park so perhaps a few volunteers can assist with that also. The UCF&RD can help to provide access.
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I am working with a communications specialist assisting with the Outer Islands Debris Collection Process and hope to have more information for you in that regard in short order. We will try to keep you informed as the Project progresses. In the meantime, here are a few reminders, a/k/a “Do's and Don'ts” to keep in mind while the project is underway:
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DO NOT bring any debris to any of the staging areas or to Big Mo. Please let DRC do their jobs. This is what they do and they have been very successful.
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DO NOT drop off any debris at the east end of the runway, or the west end for that matter, as it would create a dangerous situation for the pilots and their passengers.
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DO NOT use Bull Bags. Enough has been written on this subject already. If you have used them you are responsible for their removal. It is my understanding that Loggerhead Barging may be available to assist in getting them off of the Island. They will not be picked up by DRC. If you choose to “unload” a Bull Bag, please be careful of sharp edges, nails, etc., as well as any of our local wildlife that may have found a comfortable home. I have observed that some people have used them to dispose of food containers and other perishables. You are still responsible for removing the “empty.”
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DO NOT approach any piece of equipment that is being operated. While this seems obvious, we did have someone attempt to get the attention of a Bobcat operator during the cleanup from Hurricane Charley back in 2004. What followed was a very expensive medical helicopter ride, emergency surgery and a still prominent scar.
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DO NOT attempt to include any construction materials, debris or scrap from current construction.
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DO NOT attempt to pass off any piles of debris that pre-date Ian as storm debris. DRC has been notified and will not pick them up.
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DO remove all batteries from carts that are for disposal. Place the batteries in a separate pile. If it is not obvious that the cart is trashed, please place a sign on it.
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DO notify the DRC rep of any lithium batteries or any other combustible items as they get special attention and cannot be commingled with C&D.
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DO follow the instructions in prior memos from the UCR&RD and UCCA in regard to the separation, placing and stacking of all storm debris.
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DO NOT use black trash bags. DRC reps need to see what they are picking up so that it can be disposed of properly. Either open/tear the bags so that the contents can be seen, or repackage into a bag that is clear or at least “see through.”
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The next meeting of the Upper Captiva Board of Fire Commissioners will be next Friday, Dec. 16th, starting at 10:00 at the Fire Station. Attendance is also available by Zoom. We are hoping to have one or more representatives from DRC and/or the Outer Islands cleanup group in attendance, either in person or remotely, to answer your questions and address your concerns.
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Once again, we simply ask for your cooperation and patience during the many weeks that it will take to complete the Cleanup Process.
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Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and patience,
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Fire Commissioner, UCF&RD
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