Selectmen Approve Tornado Debris Removal Plan

CONTACT: Town of Sturbridge

Shaun A. Suhoski, Town Administrator

508-347-2500 or 978-821-7772

ssuhoski@town.sturbridge.ma.us

Erin Jacque, Conservation Agent

508-347-2506

ejacque@town.sturbridge.ma.us

STURBRIDGE – The Board of Selectmen approved a tree debris removal plan last night designed

to assist residents and property owners directly impacted by last week’s devastating tornado.

Following a two-hour community discussion with affected residents, Selectmen met with

department heads to discuss the Town’s response to the storm and to review a plan for tree debris

removal from neighborhoods in the tornado’s path, according to Town Administrator Shaun A.

Suhoski.

Clean-up of debris will occur in three phases in impacted neighborhoods with each area having a

specific deadline by which to place tree debris along the edge of the property. The debris will then

be removed by a tree removal contractor assisted and monitored by public works personnel, he said.

“The Board of Selectmen recognize the immeasurable toll that the tornado has placed upon

impacted residents and have developed a plan to ease part of that burden,” said Mr. Suhoski, who

noted that the Town’s Volunteer Resource Center can arrange assistance for residents needing help

to move the debris to the edge of the property.

Conservation Agent Erin Jacque outlined the following guideline for debris disposal:

• Only tree branches, limbs and logs (the longer the better) will be accepted. These items

must be left within ten feet of the edge of the roadway. A one foot setback from the edge of

pavement is required for safety and vehicular access.

• Lawn waste including leaves, twigs and other raked material is not included and will not be

removed by the Town. It is recommended that this material be placed in compost bags and

properly disposed of by landowners.

Following is the schedule for residential pick-up of tree debris. Material not placed along the

roadway by the following deadlines will not be removed by the Town:

• Stallion Hill Road, Douty Road and Holland Road Area: June 20

• Fiske Hill Road, Whittemore Road, Regep Lane and Farquhar Road Area: June 27

• Willard Road and Streeter Road Area: July 11

Any tree debris remaining after the above dates shall be the responsibility of the property owners.

The Town is in the process of devising a plan to assist landowners with removal and disposal of

other debris, according to Ms. Jacque.

Until the plan is finalized, the Town recommends that landowners stockpile all non-tree debris in

their front or side yards in an upland location that is accessible and visible from the road.

Debris must be separated into the following categories:

• Burnable material (plastic, glass, carpeting, etc.),

• Metals (metal siding, sheds, swing sets, lawn furniture, screen doors, etc.), and

• Construction and Demolition debris (wood siding, doors, shingles, pressure treated lumber,

windows, etc.).

These materials must not be stockpiled within the Town’s ten foot right of way and must be

separate from the tree debris, said Ms. Jacque.

Affected residents may also bring separated burnable and construction/demolition debris to the

Recycling Center free of charge on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. and

Saturdays 7:00 AM - 2:45 p.m.

All residents are cautioned that the Recycling Center has limited capacity to accept these materials.

Residents may call Recycling Center Manager John Booth ahead of time at (508) 347-7608 to

ensure there is adequate space to accept delivered materials.

Residents are highly encouraged to stockpile materials on the property until further guidance is

provided by the Town.

For volunteer services please contact:

• Selectman Thomas Creamer: (774) 696-0903

• Selectman Priscilla Gimas: (774) 230-5572

• Christine Jensen, Volunteer Resource Coordinator Asst.: (508) 365-7227

• Susan Waters, Volunteer Resource Coordinator: (774) 402-4387

“The remarkable efforts of Town staff, Selectmen and our citizen volunteers cannot be overstated,”

said Mr. Suhoski.

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