Massive Tree Debris Pile Will be Removed Next Week

The massive pile of tree debris collected from Oct. 29 snowstorm will be removed from the DPW yard next week, Councilman David Gonzalez reported during his monthly sanitation report Tuesday.

The debris pile, which officials have said measures about 3,640 cubic yards and stands about as tall as a one-story building, will be removed by an outside company, he said.

As reported previously, the borough found it would be more cost effective to hire a company to come in to remove the debris than for the borough to take it away itself. , borough administrator, said it will cost $17,500 to remove it as opposed to roughly $43,680 if the borough were to handle it instead. In addition it would have taken too much manpower to haul away, he had said.

Although many towns reportedly have given wood chips from tree debris to residents, Mayor Rose Heck told audience members at the recent town forum the borough has been advised by their arborist that this practice could be harmful as the ground up trees could be diseased which would then spread to one’s home if used as mulch. The company hired to remove the debris would treat the debris before converting into wood chips and selling it, she explained.

The Oct. 29 snowstorm took out trees all over the borough and with it power lines as many went without power for days following. About 10 roads were closed down for at least a day  due to downed trees. The DPW worked to clear roadways so emergency vehicles could get through and remove trees which had fallen on homes, in front of doorways and driveways. They spent the weeks that followed  continuing to go around the borough to collect additional tree debris from the sides of the roads.