Federal agencies are collaborating with state and local partners to clear debris left by Tropical Storm Helene in southwestern Virginia. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have committed millions to remove debris from Claytor Lake State Park and the South Holston Lake Area.
The storm brought rain, tornadoes, wind, and flooding, leaving behind debris that includes woody materials, boats, propane tanks, fuel tanks, and structural remnants. This has impacted critical functions such as boating and fishing at these sites.
FEMA's Timothy Pheil emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Recovery cannot be achieved alone, with one program or one agency. I am grateful to the Commonwealth and to our federal partners for responding to the needs of the whole community.”
The USACE is leading this mission with an estimated duration of over three months. Crews began assessing land and water debris on October 4. Removal operations will start soon, aiming to complete within approximately 120 days.
Col. Sonny Avichal from USACE noted the complexity of waterway debris removal: “Debris removal on the water is inherently more complex... We’re working together toward the same goal."
The EPA has been active since late September, focusing on oil and hazardous material cleanup since early October. Adam Ortiz from EPA stated: "We are incredibly proud of our first responders who are working tirelessly along with our local, state and federal partners."
Residents can bring household hazardous materials affected by the storm to a designated location in Damascus for safe disposal.
For further information on recovery efforts in Virginia, resources are available online through various official websites.
