One of the questions we are getting asked most is related to debris removal on private property. Debris removal is a priority for the County. There were many homes destroyed and damaged, and we know this is not just debris. What remains is part of your home, possessions, and memories. We empathize with you and understand that you are all anxious to take the first step to rebuild your homes. We are working on getting the answers you need, but as frustrating as it may be these answers take time.
Boulder County is currently working closely with the state, FEMA, and impacted municipalities to create a coordinated debris removal program for homes that have been destroyed or damaged by the Marshall Fire and has issued a press release with preliminary information.
In the meantime, debris removal is being conducted in a three-step process:
- Dumpsters for spoiled food and water-damaged items (complete)
- Removal of imminent threats and large items from right of ways (to begin in one week), and a curbside sweep of smoke-damaged household items (no fire-related debris will be accepted in the curbside sweep).
- Coordinated debris removal on private properties, including fire-damaged debris, ash and structural materials (awaiting FEMA funding approval).
The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department is here to work with you in the following, days, weeks and months. Additionally, we highly encourage everyone affected to visit the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at 1755 South Public Road in Lafayette to get connected to resources, ask questions, and get more information.
Any private property owner choosing to conduct site clean-up work of any structural or ash-related debris (this does not include sifting through ash for personal belongings) on their own would be ineligible for the debris removal program, and is responsible for following state and local permitting requirements, which will include closeout inspections and utility requirements. This includes a deconstruction or demolition permit from your local building department.
People seeking assistance with sifting through ash/debris in search of personal belongings should contact the trained volunteers at Crisis Cleanup by visiting CrisisCleanup.org or by calling 720-206-0627.
Please be aware there is a licensing requirement for all haulers and contractors that will be hauling ash and fire-related debris. For more information on the hauling licensing requirements, please visit boco.org/haul to ensure you or your hauler has a current license. All privately contracted work must follow state, local, and federal environmental regulations including guidance documents developed specifically for handling and transporting ash and debris from fires. Any contractor hauling ash and debris assumes all liability for transporting this hazardous material, which must be properly profiled and manifested through an approved landfill.
Impacted community members who would like to register for the county debris clean-up program should register at the Disaster Assistance Center, and the county will be in touch with additional details as soon as they are finalized.
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