By Guy Page
As the entire U.S. East Coast prepares for possible flooding from Hurricane Debby this week, the Town of St. Johnsbury is still fighting back from the effects of two floods in the last 26 days.
If Vermonters remember anything about last year’s catastrophic flood, it is this: floods create huge amounts of trash and debris. For the last week, the flood-ridden Northeast Kingdom town has been without its transfer station.
A week after the second catastrophic flood of the summer on July 28-29, St. Johnsbury is still without the municipal St. Johnsbury Transfer Station – i.e. the waystation for ‘typical’ trash enroute to landfill or larger recycling center. Also, recent cloudbursts have re-damaged roads repaired by town road crews in the last week.
These troubling realities are published in the Town of St. Johnsbury’s 5 PM, August 5 press release, its 11th issued since the flooding of July 28-29. Towns in the Northeast Kingdom (including St. J, Lyndon, Burke, Morgan, and Island Pond) suffered severe evening/early morning rains that fell on already-saturated soils and swollen rivers, causing flash flooding not only in the Passumpsic River but in smaller brooks.
With the forced closure of the town transfer station, town officials have coordinated temporary waste management solutions, Town Manager Chad Whitehead said.
The town is directing residents and businesses to use EZ Trash Services on Portland Street for household trash and recycling.
Hazardous waste and electronics can be dropped off on pallets left outside 176 Western Avenue. State officials will sort and pick up the materials on an as-needed basis.
Metal waste can be placed in a dumpster at 852 Portland Street.
Flood Debris is defined as any waste affected by flooding that is not hazardous waste or metal. Dump locations are 174 Cliff Street and 852 Portland Street. “Please use the dumpster labeled ‘Flood Debris,’” the press release says.
And be patient, the Town urges. “DO NOT pile debris or waste on the ground next to dumpsters moving forward. Our waste hauling contractors will continue to empty dumpsters through the week, so if a dumpster is full, please check back later.”
For residents concerned about drinking water quality, water testing kits are available for residents at the St. Johnsbury Wastewater Treatment Plant for pick up at 799 Bay Street M-F between 7 am – 2:30 pm. Please call in advance to verify that kits are available. Lab fees are $25-$30. Tests can be mailed or dropped off at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for currier. Results are provided within 24 hrs. M-TH.
Heavy rains falling Sunday, August 4 caused damage to recently-repaired roads. Town officials have verified that Mt Pisgah Road from New Boston to Bible Hill is closed. The Town asks drivers to stay off those roads, and other damaged roads, if possible.
“Please proceed with caution on other areas that have sustained damages. We ask that you limit travel to all of these areas to reduce further damage and maintain the road for residents and emergency vehicles. St. Johnsbury’s Department of Public Works continues to work to repair roads. Road openings are expected throughout today. Please check the Town website Many roads allow only one traffic lane to service traffic in both directions. Please use caution when driving through these areas of town.
Not surprisingly, volunteers are needed. For volunteer information for clean up efforts, including how you can volunteer, or if you need volunteer assistance, please contact Northeast Kingdom Organizing or call 802-321-3317.