Contact: John Thompson, Division of Highway Services, 301-217-2159; or
Office of Public Information, 301-217-6530
For Immediate Release: February 5, 1999

Storm Debris Cleanup Efforts
Continue In Montgomery County

Montgomery County's Department of Public Works and Transportation reminds residents that its crews are continuing to move through the county to collect debris -- placed at curbside -- from trees downed in last month's storm. Officials say collections have been completed in many areas and they expect to finish the overall effort by the end of February, barring any setbacks from additional major storms.

Crews are working six days a week, 10 hours a day on the special collection effort. Wood chips generated from the debris are being transported to three sites around the county and officials estimate that, as of February 4, more than 69,000 cubic yards of mulch have been produced. Nearly 400 field workers, on approximately 60 crews, are involved in the cleanup. In areas hit hardest by the storm, signs announcing dates for the special one-time pickup of tree debris are posted three to five days before the planned collections. In areas with less severe overall damage, residents are asked to call the County's Division of Highway Services at 301-217-2159 to notify collection crews of the need for a debris pickup. All collections will occur on the curbsides of properties located on County-maintained roads and streets, as crews will not go on private property to remove the debris.

Residents with small amounts of debris from the storm damage are reminded that they may also place bundled tree limbs and branches at curbside for removal as part of their normal weekly recycling pickup.

In addition, debris may be brought to the public unloading facility of the County's Solid Waste Transfer Station, Mondays through Saturdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The facility is located at 16101 Frederick Road, near the intersection of Shady Grove and Frederick (RT. 355) roads in Derwood.

Free Mulch from Debris Collection Available to Residents

Residents are also reminded that they may obtain free mulch from six sites around the county. The mulch may be used for ground cover and for plants with mature (two years and older) root systems such as bushes, shrubs and trees. It is not recommended for ornamental plants such as roses and tulips, unless it is composted/aged for at least six months.

Mulch may be collected at the following Neighborhood Preserves during the hours listed:

• Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Rd., Gaithersburg - daylight hours (parking lot)

• Quince Orchard H.S., 15800 Quince Orchard Blvd, Gaithersburg - daylight hours (rear of temporary classrooms)

• Montgomery Blair High School., University Blvd & Colesville Rd., Silver Spring - daylight hours (enter parking lot near stadium off University Boulevard)

• E.E. Halmos Park, Poolesville - daylight hours (use Bodmer Ave. entrance)

• Cabin John Indoor Tennis Courts - Democracy Blvd. Past Montgomery Mall, Bethesda - during daylight hours (parking lot)

• Montgomery County Recycling Center - Rt. 355 & Shady Grove Rd. - Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (enter from Route 355; make last right before reaching Public Unloading Facility ramp)

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