Final Debris Pickup Begins After Hurricane Helene

In response to Hurricane Helene, debris removal efforts are nearing completion across South Carolina, with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announcing final pickups in several counties, including Aiken, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg, set to begin on January 20. Since the storm's landfall in late September, SCDOT has collected over 3 million cubic yards of debris, with residents urged to place any remaining debris by the road by the deadline to facilitate the final passes. In Augusta, Georgia, city officials are also wrapping up debris collection, with a deadline set for February 4 for FEMA reimbursement, and concerns raised by local leaders about the timing of final pickups. Ceres Environmental, a debris removal contractor, reports significant progress, having removed over 300,000 cubic yards of mulch while preparing for the upcoming Masters Tournament. Despite the advances, there are still challenges, including the need to clear root balls and stumps in more rural areas. The cleanup efforts highlight the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene and the urgency for communities to finalize their debris management.