Florida company to begin debris removal Monday

ALBANY – Ceres Environmental Services Inc. will begin the removal of debris Monday that was left in the wake of the Jan. 2 storm whose 85-mph straight-line winds devastated a 32-square-mile section of downtown Albany.

A community meeting is planned for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the city’s Law Enforcement Center Community Room at 201 W. Oglethorpe Blvd. to share the Florida-based company’s debris removal plan.

Residents who live in the city limits are being asked to place storm-generated debris on the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way is the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement. Keep vegetative debris separate from construction and demolition debris, as they will be collected separately. Any bagged debris should be kept separate from all other piles.

Residents are asked not to place debris near water meter vaults, fire hydrants or any other above-ground utilities. Only debris placed on the public right-of-way will be eligible for collection. Multiple debris collection passes will be made throughout the city. Residents are encouraged to place debris out as quickly as possible because a deadline for debris collection will be established at some point.

A debris hotline has been set up for residents affected by the Jan. 2 storm to answer questions regarding debris removal. The number for the hotline is (229) 288-6235. Beginning Monday, the hotline will be open between 8 a.m.and 5 p.m. seven days a week. Residents leaving a message after hours can expect a return call the next day.

The Albany City Commission voted at its business meeting Tuesday to award the debris removal contract to Ceres, which is based in Sarasota. The contract approved unanimously by the commission comes with a $10,693,500 price tag.