DPW Looks to Remove Massive Pile of Tree Debris Left by Snow Storm

The Department of Public Works is looking to have the 3,640 cubic yards of tree debris collected from the October snowstorm removed in the most cost-effective manner possible — prior to any future snow storms.

The massive pile at the DPW yard measures about 64-feet in width, 128-feet in length and is about 12-feet high, according to estimates provided by Mike Kronyak, borough administrator.

Standing as tall as a one-story building, the pile will need to be cleared away soon as the DPW yard will be needed for snow removal.

Kronyak said DPW Superintendent Bill Spindler has been looking at estimates from outside companies, who would be hired to grind up the debris and haul it away.

The cost for this process would be more cost-effective than if the borough were to haul it away themselves, Kronyak said, adding that officials are looking at about $17,500 for the job. If the borough were to handle it, it could cost roughly $43,680, Kronyak said. The number is based on the cost of $12 per cubic yard for regular debris, and it could take up to 90 trips to carry it away, straining manpower, Kronyak said. 

The borough isn’t likely to consider distributing the wood chips to residents, as they would not be in position to treat the chips for any diseases the trees may have had, Kronyak said, and the borough does not want to give out materials which could be hazardous to trees and plants.

Councilman David Gonzalez said Tuesday night during his report that it took the DPW until Nov. 23 to remove all the tree debris from sides of roadways around town following the snowstorm. . The DPW was required to clear those roadways first and remove fallen trees from homes and driveways.

In the days that initially followed the storm, DPW workers seen around town cutting down loose tree limbs that were taken out by the storm and removing trees from roadways, a process that continued for weeks.

were submitted to the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management as a first step in filing for FEMA reimbursement. This figure, which is based on police department and DPW overtime, was expected to go up with the inclusion of operational costs.