Fort Smith officials outline debris removal policy

Cleanup of debris leftover from last week's ice storm will be collected starting next week, according to the city of Fort Smith's Department of Sanitation.

Tree limbs and branches felled by the storm, which coated much of the Fort Smith area with between a quarter-inch and 1.5 inches of ice, will be collected based on the normal days of trash collection, according to a press release.

Collection will start on Dec. 16 for residents who normally have Monday pickup, with debris removal lasting through Jan. 4, 2014. Residents who normally have trash pickup on Tuesday can expect debris removal from Jan. 6 – Jan. 18, 2014. If pick up is normally scheduled on Thursdays, debris pickup will last from Jan. 20 – Feb. 1, 2014. Residents who normally experience Friday trash pickup can expect debris removal from Feb. 3 – Feb. 15, 2014.

"Tree debris resulting from the storm will need to be placed curbside, away from cars, mailboxes, and utilities such as water meters, fire hydrants, and overhead power lines, and should not exceed 6 feet in length," the release from the sanitation department reads. "Bundling requirements will be relaxed citywide to accommodate special collections."

Should residents have larger debris, the press release states assessments will need to be made "prior to collection due to equipment capabilities and limitations."

If debris has fallen on utility lines, the sanitation department said it is the property owner's responsibility to clear the debris and should take precaution when hiring companies to do the work for them.

"Property owners that choose to have their tree debris removed by a third party should consider hiring a reputable, local tree service familiar with local regulations," the statement read. "At a minimum, a reputable tree service will be able to show proof of liability insurance to protect the property owner in case of an accident."

The release went on to suggest any companies hired to remove debris hold credentials through an organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture.
www.isa-arbor.com

Questions regarding storm debris collection can be called into the Fort Smith Department of Sanitation at 479-784-1070 or e-mail [email protected].