Hurricane Irene Updates

Suffolk Announces Residential Storm Debris Removal Efforts & Guidelines

In an effort to assist citizens in recovery from Hurricane Irene, the City of Suffolk announces some temporary changes to the city's bulk refuse program. From August 29 through Sept 30, 2011, the 12 times/year limit on bulk refuse collection has been suspended. The maximum volume of eight cubic yards is also suspended.

It's important for citizens to note that other provisions of the Solid Waste Ordinance remain in force, such as limits on maximum size of items collected, no hazardous waste, construction and demolition material, oil, paint, automotive/ vehicle parts, etc.

City will not collect:

• Limbs or branches in excess of 6' in length.
• Stumps packed with dirt or mud
• Stumps or trucks larger than 24" in diameter Waste from land-clearing operations such as rocks, dirt, sand, bricks and concrete.
• Debris such as shingles, asbestos and drywall.
• Automotive parts.
• Oil drums and propane tanks.
• Contractor produced waste from construction, repairs, remodeling/demolition, tree pruning or removal.
• Paint products, pesticides, solvents and other chemicals.

All items should be placed curbside and at least 6' from any obstacle such as mailboxes, cars, etc., and away from low hanging wires and limbs.

Beginning October 1st the City will resume counting each bulk collection toward the 12 times/year maximum, as well as all other Solid Waste Ordinance requirements.

Citizens are encouraged to contact Public Works at 514-7630 should they have any questions.

Suffolk Announces Expedited Permitting Process

In an effort to assist those affected by Hurricane Irene, the City of Suffolk Planning and Community Development announces a plan for expedited permitting.

For those that sustained damages in the storm, the following repairs will not require a permit for residential structures not located in a historic district:

• shingle replacement
• vinyl siding / vinyl trim replacement
• roof sheeting less than 100 square feet
• window or door replacement of same size

Other repairs not covered above may require a permit and if a property owner or contractor is unsure they should contact the Community Development Division at 514-4150. Callers will be advised of all required documentation to expedite the permitting process.

For permit repairs for storm damage, the Community Development division will verify that repairs are due to storm damage and will be processed at that time by the permit technician at the front counter. Repairs that may require an architectural/engineer seal such as roof truss replacement will be assigned to the plans reviewer for expedited review and approval and priority placement.

All other permitting questions can be answered at 757-514-4150

UPDATE - August 30, 10:45 AM

The Suffolk Emergency Operations Center will close Tuesday, August 30, at 5 PM. After that time, please use the regular non-emergency numbers when contacting various City departments.

• Suffolk Police Department Non-Emergency Phone Number: 757-923-2350
• Public Works Refuse Hotline: 757-514-7630
• Public Utilities Customer Service Phone Number: 757-514-7000, option 1

UPDATE - Monday, August 29, 6:00 PM

The Department of Public Works advises that thirty-seven previously closed roads were re-opened today. Twenty-one roads remain closed.

Damage Assessment Teams are reporting a total of 215 residential primary structures impacted by the storm with an estimated loss value of $1,449,587. There were a total of 29 accessory structures impacted by the storm with an estimated loss value of $150,000. There were a total of 9 commercial structures impacted by the storm with an estimated loss value of $603,394. Total structures affected to date are 253 with an estimated loss value of $2,202,981. These are preliminary numbers as of 4:00 p.m. today.

The Division of Public Utilities will continue to operate water filling stations set up in two locations, for those who wish to bring clean jugs. Potable water will be dispensed at Lakeland High School and at the Suffolk Airport's main gate. The stations will be open tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.

East Suffolk Recreation Center will be closed tomorrow due to mechanical issues caused by the storm.

As of 11:00 a.m., Dominion Power reported 12,615 Suffolk customers without power out of 35,757. The City continues to work with Dominion in hopes of getting power restored to our citizens and business community as soon as possible.

There is no curfew in the City of Suffolk tonight.

UPDATE - Sunday, August 28, 6:45 PM

As of 4:30 p.m., 94 residential structures have damage; of those, six are considered major and 43 are minor. Four businesses sustained damage; two of those are considered minor. Eight accessory structures were damaged; of those, four were destroyed. Estimated damage assessments are approximated at $1.8 million. All damage assessments should be completed by Monday, August 29th.

Public Works has opened 141 roads today; 51 remain closed at this hour, all secondary. At this time, 37 traffic signals remain without power.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is on limited activation as of 6 p.m.

City of Suffolk offices will be open and operating regular hours Monday, August 29th, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The courts will remain closed.

The City of Suffolk damage assessment and recovery efforts continue at this time. Currently 53 residential structures have been affected, but assessments are still coming in. Approximately 22,000 Dominion customers are still without power. All major roads have been opened; however, 51 secondary roads remain closed, due to power lines in water or complete flooding. Regular refuse collection is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, August 30th.

The scheduled Fitness and Senior programs at East Suffolk Recreation Center will be cancelled Monday, August 29th; however, the Parks and Recreation administrative offices will be open during 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. for customer service inquiries.

The Division of Public Utilities reports that they will have filling stations set up in two locations, for those who wish to bring clean jugs. Potable water will be dispensed at Lakeland High School and at the Suffolk Airport's main gate. The stations will be open today, August 28th, from 1-6 p.m., and beginning Monday, August 29th at 8:30 a.m.