Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates & More 6/6/25

Lake Lure -- Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates and More 6/6/25: Lake Restoration: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in coordination with AshBritt Environmental and local contractors, continue efforts to remove debris, silt, and sedimentation from Lake Lure.

This is the latest update on their progress as of 6/6/25: 

314,000 tons of silt/sediment removal (+53,430 Tons).
42,301 cubic yards of debris from the waterway (+1,959 CY).
43,567 cubic yards of debris from the right of way (no change at this time.)
Here is some additional information to help you visualize the process and the progress:

140 trucks are working on any given day.
The average truck holds 25 tons.
330 loads are removed on average each day.
Crews are working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day to complete the mission which we anticipate will continue throughout the summer months, potentially into the fall. This is a dynamic process and we do not have a definitive timeline for completion at this time.

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure: silt/sedimentation removal has reached Rumbling Bald's side of the Lake! This is great progress toward the restoration of Lake Lure, and they appreciate cooperation and patience in staying out of blocked-off areas as teams continue their work.

Lakeside Debris: Please do not place debris on docks as it will be there for a while until we are able to bring the Lake back up to retrieve it. If debris is in the lake bed, crews will pick this up at some point during the debris removal process. Private property owners may clean their shoreline. 

Guidance on Debris Under Lake Structures: As the Town continues to partner with FEMA and the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to restore the lake, we have had many lakeside property owners reach out to inquire how they can assist. One assistance opportunity is to remove debris and sedimentation that is underneath their lake structures. Contractors will be continuing to clean the lake shore, but they will not be working underneath lake structures.

Here is some key information if you would like to participate in this process:

This must only include lake debris deposited as a result of Tropical Storm Helene. Land-based debris cannot be brought into the lakebed.
Lake structures can be accessed through land or property owners may use an approved contractor to access a structure through the lake.
Debris and sedimentation can be placed at least one foot away from the structure, either beside or in front of the footprint where it is easily reachable by contractors.
This is authorized until July 15th.  
Note: A plan must be submitted and approved for any sediment removal. For additional information regarding approvals for sediment removal, please contact Kimberly Martin at (828) 625-9983 ext. 135 or kmartin@townoflakelure.com.

Land-based Debris Removal

Rutherford County Debris Removal/Drop Off//Free Mulch: Rutherford County has also been removing debris from the roadways. Rutherford County is giving away free double-ground mulch-like product.. The mulch is available at the Rutherford County Landfill, 656 Laurel Hill Drive, Rutherfordton, NC. Hours for pickup are Monday-Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Hours for drop off: Saturday 8 AM–4 PM, Sunday-Closed, Monday-Friday 8 AM–4:30 PM.    

Personal Property Debris Removal (PPDR):

Update on the Private and Commercial Business Property Debris Removal Process for applicants in zip code 28746: The Release of Entry (ROE) collection phase is the beginning phase of the process to have debris removed from private properties. There are other steps outside of the ROE collection process, to include site assessment, vetting by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Realty, and then assignment to a contractor. Program coordinators are at the phase of awarding a contract. It is their goal to begin debris removal for applicants in zip code 28746 within the next 4 to 6 weeks.  

Rutherford County: Rutherford County is accepting applications for a Private Property Debris Removal program (PPDR) through FEMA that can assist residents with removal of potentially eligible storm-generated debris from private property, private roads and/or driveways and services may be available for the demolition of hazardous structures. Eligible debris must be the direct result of Hurricane Helene and must be located within Rutherford County. To be considered eligible the removal of the debris must be in the public interest to eliminate immediate threats to life, public health, or safety, and to eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public or private property.

Types of eligible storm-generated debris includes vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, white goods such as household appliances, and household hazardous waste.
Qualifying property owners may contact DebrisTech personnel by calling 828-319-2880 or by sending an email to ppdr@debristech.com.
Applicants must provide the following required documents. Most Recent Tax Bill/Record, a valid Driver’s License or State Issued I.D., a utility bill from the time of event, which can be your power, water or gas bill, your homeowner’s insurance policy, and a copy of your house deed, which is only required if you are signing up for demolition of a structure.
Questions/Assistance: Please call 501-604-6453 if you need additional information or if you have questions.
PPDR in Action: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors are hard at work in western North Carolina, clearing debris left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. USACE, tasked by FEMA, is on the ground supporting Personal Property Debris Removal, clearing fallen trees from private property. Each load removed means safer homes, clearer access, and one more step toward recovery.

Watch the process in action in this video. Each cleared site is a step closer to recovery.

The above information is from the Town of Lake Lure website.

Image: WNCTimes