By Cyndi Sellers
The Cameron Parish Police Jury addressed a long list of subjects in a marathon day of meetings Friday, Nov. 13.
The agenda meeting was taken up mostly by hurricane recovery. Debris removal was the only item of the wide-ranging discussion that was on the agenda. Representatives from the parish’s debris removal contractor answered questions, reporting that white goods removal started that day. White goods must be collected separately from other debris so hazardous materials can be removed.
Trucks are not getting everything in the first pass but will be making repeat trips. The first and second pass are actually going on simultaneously. Before the third and final pass begins, to date will be advertised to give people time to get all their debris to the side of the road. On that pass, contractors should leave the site very clean. The Parish will inspect and make a punch list to make sure it is all picked up. Holes being left in the ground by debris removal crews are to be repaired before the final pass is complete.
Residents can find out where the state road debris removal trucks will be on any given day by looking at the 511la.org website. Routes will be posted.
The Parish is applying for an extension of the 30 days of 100 percent coverage on debris removal recently granted, said Parish Administrator Katie Armentor. The actual dates have not been set, but she hopes to have a different date for each community, since removal started on different dates. She would also like to have the week of Hurricane Delta left out, since no work took place that week.
The percent of FEMA coverage makes a huge difference, since the Laura disaster is currently set at a 75/25 match. Cameron Parish has applied for a 90/10 match, which is under review. The decision will be based on expenses, damage, and an inventory assessment.
Placing vegetative debris in the large ponds left by sand mining would reduce the cost of transportation and provide beneficial use for the material, said Scott Trahan. “The government won’t allow vegetative debris in the holes, but they are digging holes in Sweetlake to bury the debris,” he said. Armentor said she will resubmit the application based on beneficial use. Clean concrete can also be used for beneficial use disposal.