FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2025
Update on Storm Debris Status in Transylvania County
BREVARD, NC- In July, Transylvania County Commissioners is partnering with North Carolina Emergency Management on the remaining Helene debris removal needs for the county under the SMART program. SMART has secured contractors to begin debris removal. Last week, FEMA completed site assessments and provided determinations for the Private Property Debris Sites in the County.
Private Property Debris Removal Update:
FEMA provided the following criteria for eligibility for debris removal activities, such as clearance, removal, and disposal, are eligible if the removal is in the public interest based on whether the work:
• Eliminates immediate threats to lives, public health, and safety.
• Eliminates immediate threats of significant damage to improved public or private property (Note- forested areas on private property with debris down from the storm generally do not qualify for PPDR under these rules)
A total of (412) application packets were submitted in Transylvania County with the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Contractor. Representatives from USACE and FEMA conducted site visits at the end of August. The applications and site information were reviewed for eligibility by FEMA with (212) being deemed eligible or eligible with conditions.
Eligible or eligible with conditions
The (25) properties deemed eligible will be contacted by the SMART program contractor at least (72) hours before work will commence on their property. The contractor will begin work in Transylvania County later this week.
The (187) properties deemed eligible with conditions. According to FEMA this means they are properties that have eligible debris, but also debris that the photos supplied in the application and site visit are not clear enough, or do not adequately identify a hazard or impact to the property to make a full eligibility decision. In this situation, additional information will be required.
Ineligible
(185) properties have been deemed ineligible meaning the debris did not meet the criteria for removal. NCEM staff will be visiting these sites to gather additional pictures and documentation to appeal that the ineligible determination be overturned.
Possible Demo or Landslide
(15) properties are possible applications for demolition or landslide services. These applications are pending additional coordination with FEMA and the state on next steps for eligibility.
Transylvania County residents may visit ncdebriscleanup.com, then click on Transylvania County, to apply for debris removal or to check the status of their application. Applications need to be made by September 19. Additionally, residents may call 828-412-8947 between 7am and 7pm daily for assistance. So far there are an additional (13) applications that have been submitted through the website or hotline that are being sent to FEMA for review.
Waterway Debris Update:
FEMA and USACE teams conducted field assessments of several remaining waterway debris sites in July. Those assessments are being reviewed by FEMA for eligibility and will then transition to the SMART program for removal. Debris removal activities will not involve waterways that are within Federal Forest Lands. Citizens may submit additional waterway debris removal sites for consideration by going to ncdebriscleanup.com.
As Transylvania County receives additional information, updates will be released on social media, to media and posted on our website www.transylvaniacounty.org.