Branch and Limb Pickup to Begin Saturday

Enfield is slowly getting back to normal following the devastating effects of the Oct. 29 nor'easter that left thousands without power for as much as 10 days, and created a trail of debris consisting mainly of fallen tree limbs and wires.

The town has contracted with AshBritt Environmental to begin debris collection and removal on Saturday, Nov. 19. The cleanup will continue until Dec. 16.

On his Facebook home page, Mayor Scott Kaupin requested residents follow these instructions for clearing fallen branches and limbs:

1. Place Storm Alfred related vegetative debris (branches) at the curb as soon as possible.
2. Do not block any sidewalks with the debris.
3. If it is not possible due to safety issues to place the debris at the curb or because it will block sidewalks, place the debris close as possible to the house side of the sidewalk.
4. Any vegetative debris with a diameter of 8 inches or more must be less than 10 feet in length.
5. Do not place any debris on top of utilities (cable, phone, electrical, or storm drain boxes).
6. Please do not block your mail box with the debris.
7. Do not bag, bundle or place your debris in tipper barrels.
8. Please do not block the roadways with debris piles as emergency vehicles may need to enter and exit your area.
9. Do not park your vehicles on the streets during the time frame the debris is being collected.
10. Please drive carefully and slowly in areas with large debris piles.

Kaupin emphasized that debris removal crews will not enter onto private property to collect or remove debris. All debris must be placed in piles at or near the curb within the public right-of-way. It is the home or business owner's responsibility to bring the debris to the curb. 

He also implored residents not to place garbage or other household refuse with the disaster debris, as it will not be accepted. "Because of strict FEMA guidelines for reimbursement, we ask our residents not to take this opportunity to place non-Storm Alfred vegetative materials at the curb," the note said. 

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman announced Thursday night that President Barack Obama has approved Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's November 11, 2011 request for a Major Disaster Declaration, enabling state and local governments and certain non-profits to apply for federal funding in the aftermath of October's historic storm.

For more information regarding Storm Alfred related debris collection, contact either the Town Manager's Office at 860-253-6350, or the Department of Public Works at 860-763-7560, or go to www.enfield-ct.gov.