The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 4, 2012) – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau issued the following statements: “As service to the public ASB Greenworld located at 848 Lt. Brender Hwy in the Town of Bethel will accept clean storm debris consisting of trees and brush. This type of storm debris will be converted into mulch for an environmentally friendly reuse. This would also avoid landfilling clean waste that would have a productive use.”

“The Sullivan County Legislature convened an Emergency Meeting this morning at 10:55 AM via conference call to waive the solid waste fees at the transfer stations to accept storm debris waste associated with Hurricane Sandy, effective Monday, November 5, 2012 through Sunday, November 11, 2012. The waiver does not include normal household waste.

The damage to the public infrastructure and individual property was extensive. There is significant storm debris that needs to be disposed as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The Legislature took action to provide for the ability of the Town and Village governments, and the citizenry to dispose of the storm debris without being concerned with paying disposal fees. The cost associated with this storm cleanup from Hurricane Sandy will be reimbursed by FEMA, pending a declaration by Governor Cuomo.”

LIMITED STATE OF EMERGENCY

“A limited State of Emergency has been extended through 12:01 AM Monday to permit County officials to continue to coordinate efforts with the Public Works crews and utilities crews to open County and Town Roads. We had a conference call with County and Town Highway officials at 7:30 AM today, and we had a call at 10:00 with Orange and Rockland Utilities, 10:30 this morning with County and Town Officials, and at 11:00 with NYSEG.

Transportation to and from shelter facilities for showers and food would be available. Contact or report to one of the warming stations, and arrangements will be made. All information posted is available at 845-807-0800.

NYSEG and Orange & Rockland Utilities have staff at our Emergency Operations Center. Utilities trucks are being paired with Public Works crews to attend to opening the remaining County and Town Roads that have trees and wires down. The main issues remain that 8,700 locations remain without power throughout the County.

NYSEG representatives anticipate the majority of power restoration will take place by midnight tonight. NYSEG crews are dispersed throughout Sullivan County repairing the major transmission lines and completing repairs to substations. NYSEG crews of restoring power to individual homes and businesses.

Sullivan County officials at the Emergency Operations Center are also planning for possible impacts of a potential Winter Storm that is presently on-track to affect our area Tuesday night through Thursday. Town officials have been contacted to coordinate preparation of warming centers and shelters that may be needed as a result of the incoming storm. However, the storm could change course over the next few days.

EMERGENCY RESPONDER FUEL

Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau issued the following statement: “The federal government has made an arrangement with Sullivan County to provide unleaded fuel for emergency responders personal and official vehicles (fire, EMS, and Police) at no cost for the fuel . Our first shipment will be for 8,000 gallons and it will be made available at two Sullivan County Department of Public Works locations,” said Fanslau.

“FEMA has recognized that it is imperative for County and local government to have the ability to respond to an emergency, and the backbone of that response are our fire and EMS volunteers, along with police and public works personnel,” said Scott B. Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

Location #1 will be: SCDPW Maplewood Facility, 745 Route. 17B, Mongaup Valley, NY. Hours will be Sunday night, November 4, 2012 from 7 PM to 10 PM, and Monday November 5, 2012 from 8:00 AM until the supply is depleted.
Location #2 will be: SCDPW Facility 450 State Rt. 55, Barryville, NY Hours will be on Monday 11-5-12 from 8 AM till supply is depleted.

This unleaded fuel will be available at no cost, and limited to one vehicle per responder, and driver will be able to receive a full tank. No portable tanks will be filled. Each driver must show a Sullivan County Accountability card or police ID card, or a County Government identification for public works and 911 departments.

“We may be receiving more fuel in the next few days, and will announce the plans for receiving that shipment when it is known,” concluded Fanslau.