McDowell County PPDR Assistance Program

As McDowell County recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this site will provide timely updates on the work done to support our community in several key areas and offer a place for residents to ask questions, provide input, and have a voice in the rebuilding process.  

Debris Management – Cleaning up storm debris is an important first step in safely getting our community back to normal. Millions of cubic yards of debris across the County need to be removed. Removing storm debris reduces hazards, gives access to homes, helps businesses return to normal operations, and allows us to welcome people back to public spaces. Given the enormity of the damage and amount of debris, the County is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and several contractors and partners to handle the debris responsibly. 

Property owners who cannot take their debris to within 10-feet of the Right of way for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from the property for FREE through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. This program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.

How long will the process take?

The PPDR Program requires a very thorough process to determine eligibility. Debris removal will be a lengthy process, and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes and communities.  

What types of debris and demolition are eligible under the PPDR program?

  • The following debris types are eligible under the PPDR program if it is located near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property:  
    • Vegetative debris, including tree limbs, branches, stumps, or trees that are still in place but damaged to the extent they pose an immediate threat.  
    • Construction and demolition debris 
    • Sand 
    • Mud  
    • Silt 
    • Gravel 
    • Rocks 
    • Boulders 
    • Appliances (large electrical goods such as refrigerators and washing machines)  
    • Vehicle and Vessel wreckage 
  • Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
  • The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.

 

What is NOT eligible under the program?

  • Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas.
  • Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.
  • Bagged household waste.

 

What is an ROE and why would I need to submit one?

A Right of Entry (ROE) form, signed by all property owners, is legally required before contractors providing PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. A Right of entry is a voluntary document. Your land is private, and it is your decision to grant access. You may withdraw from the program at any time prior to the start of debris removal or demolition activities on your property. 

If your property is in a trust, the signatory authority will need to sign and you will need to submit the trust paperwork.

If one of the owners has passed away, a death certificate will need to be provided.

If you need assistance with your application, visit: 129 Barnes Rd, Marion, NC 28752 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 7-days a week 

Link to Online Application

Please have these documents readily available when you apply: 

  • A copy of your insurance policy and proof/statement of loss from the company (if insured)
  • A color copy of your driver’s license or valid U.S. government-issued ID (such as a passport)
  • Proof of ownership such as a warranty deed, tax assessment, etc.
  • A simple sketch of the property identifying the locations of debris (hand-drawn is fine). 

QUESTIONS? 

We have staff standing by ready to answer any questions and help you complete your application today! 

Call The McDowell County Helene Hotline: 

828-652-3241

(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Visit the Emergency Services Headquarters: 

129 Barnes Rd, Marion, NC 28752

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 7-days a week

FAQ

What should residents do with debris on their property?  

If possible, residents should push debris generated by Hurricane Helene into the Right of way to help crews get as much debris picked up as they can. Residents who need additional help moving debris should call their local emergency management office for potential help from voluntary organizations.  

I can’t get large items to the curb. What should I do?  

We encourage residents to get as much debris to the curb as possible. This is the fastest and most efficient way for debris to be removed. If you are unable to move debris to the Right of way, you can request this to be done through the Private Property Debris Removal program (PPDR).  

What is the PPDR program?  

The PPDR program is a private property debris removal program. The program helps to remove debris from private properties after a disaster. For debris to be removed through the PPDR program the following criteria must be met:  

  • Must be in the public interest, not merely benefiting and individual or limited group of individuals, 
  • Must eliminate immediate threat to lives, public health, and safety, and
  • Must be the result of the declared incident and within the designated area.

What type of debris is eligible under the PPDR program? 

Debris includes but is not limited to: 

  • Vegetative debris, including tree limbs, branches, stumps, or trees that are still in place but damaged to the extent they pose an immediate threat.  
  • Vehicle and Vessel wreckage 
  • Sand  
  • Gravel 
  • Mud 

 

  • Silt  
  • Boulders 
  • Rocks  

 

  • White Goods (large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines) 

How do I apply for the PPDR Program?  

To apply for the PPDR Program, please visit mcdowellgov.com/debris. 

Why do I have to apply to have debris removed from my property? 

If you are able to move debris from your property to the Right of way, you don’t have to apply.

If you are unable to move debris from your property to the Right of way and would like crews to assess and remove debris from your property a Right of Entry (ROE) form, signed by all property owners, is legally required before contractors provided PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. A Right of Entry is a voluntary document.

Please have these documents readily available when you apply.  

The applicant will need to provide:  

  • Estimated debris quantities by type.
  • Quantities of debris removed, reduced, disposed, and recycled (by type) with load tickets to support quantities.
  • Photographs of debris impacts, demonstrating an immediate threat to lives, or public health and safety, or a written justification for the debris removal as necessary for the community’s economic recovery.
  • Documentation to substantiate legal responsibility.
  • Location of temporary reduction sites (including any applicable lease agreements) and permanent disposal sites.
  • Tower logs (required if contracted)
  • The basis of immediate threat determination.
  • Copies of permits for reduction and disposal sites
  • Documentation to substantiate the debris was deposited by the incident and was not pre-existing.
  • Location of debris.

Can I bring my debris to dump site or the landfill? 

No, the public is not allowed to bring debris to dump sites or the landfill.  

What if I have household hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of?  

Residents may place Household Hazardous Waste that was impacted by the storm at the curb for separate collection by the debris contractors. Waste placed at the curb should be contained to prevent spillages. Household Hazardous Waste includes paint, household cleaning chemicals, and small propane tanks. Waste will be contained after collection and processes according to environmental regulations. If you have hazardous waste not related to the storm, please dispose of them at one of the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events.  

Why might trucks skip or miss a house on a street?  

There are several reasons a truck might not pick up debris from all houses on a street or only pick up some debris. Debris may be inaccessible due to parked cars, overhanging powerlines, or the debris being outside 10 feet of the Right of way. Trucks are not allowed to leave the roadway so if the debris is further back, they cannot reach it. Trucks are also limited by the type of debris they can collect during each pass. For example, if a truck is collecting vegetative debris, it cannot pickup construction or mixed debris. Trucks will be making several passes. Passes will continue until streets are cleared. Residents are encouraged to ensure their debris is properly sorted, placed within the Right of way, and not obstructed.   

When will all debris be picked up?  

The debris removal process is extensive and methodical to ensure everything is cleared properly. Crews are committed to revisiting all areas to pick up remaining debris, but this takes time. The County’s goal is to remove debris as quickly as possible. Helene was a historic event that left behind the largest amount of storm debris the area has ever seen.