Efforts ongoing to clear debris caused by May 6 tornado
The City’s free curbside collection for storm debris continues in an effort to clean-up debris left behind by the May 6 tornado, Public Works Director Keith Henry said this week.
The curbside service was implemented to help residential Solid Waste customers dispose of vegetative and non-vegetative debris caused by the tornado, Henry said.
“For this event only, we have expanded our curbside service to include non-vegetative debris such as fencing, roofing and structures,” said Henry. “It’s important to note this does not include the drop-off site, which remains open for customers who are able to take their debris and drop it off. Because of our permitting from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, only vegetative material can be accepted at the drop-off site west of town.”
The drop-off site, located on West Highway 60 just east of the Green Country Rodeo Arena, is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Henry said non-vegetative materials collected during the curbside service will be taken to the Osage Landfill so this material needs to be separated from tree limbs, brush and other vegetation at the curbside collection point.
“If you are a residential Solid Waste customer of the City and you live in an area that received storm damage, you are eligible for this free collection,” he said. “Just make sure your tree limbs and brush are in one area and any other debris is in a separate area at your curb, and our guys will come and pick it up.”
Henry said tree limbs left for collection should be cut into lengths no longer than six feet and weigh less than 50 pounds.
Crews started the collection in the most heavily impacted areas — primarily the southwest and northeast portions of the city.
“We have completed those areas most heavily damaged by the tornado and have moved to the parts of town with less damage,” Henry said. “We’re currently working in the outer edges of town and moving inward.”
Portions of Pathfinder Parkway remain closed
The following portions of the running/walking trail remain closed due to damage and safety concerns:
- The section of Pathfinder from the Highway 75 trailhead (near Senor Salsa) west to Lee Lake has been closed due to hanging limbs and damaged trees.
- Closures also include the 2.5-mile portion near Bartlesville High School from Quapaw Avenue south along the Caney River and southeast to Silver Lake Road.
- The Shawnee disc golf course area is also closed until it can be further evaluated.
“We had some volunteers go in last week and do some of the clearing, but there is still a lot of work to do to make the path safe again in these areas,” said Henry. “Right now we pretty much have all available staff working to pick up debris through our curbside collection, but we will get the path as soon as we can. Until then, these areas are not safe and have been barricaded to prohibit use. We’re asking everyone to avoid these areas until further notice.”