BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — This week, subcontractors with AshBritt, the company tasked with Tropical Storm Helene debris removal by the Army Corps of Engineers, have been in Black Mountain working to remove debris from flooded public areas, as well as removing items from the Swannanoa River.

At the town’s River Walk Dog Park property — behind the former Bi-Lo store — crews are taking down broken or leaning trees, referred to as “leaners and hangers” damaged by high wind and floodwaters. The subcontractors performing this work are from Florida and Ohio. Debris removal follows strict criteria which is monitored by the team lead of each crew.

“With this debris removal, we are moving one step further in the cleanup efforts at this park. The dog park remains closed during this time, and citizens are asked to stay out of the area for their safety,” the town said in a news release.

Crews have been in Black Mountain this week removing debris from flooded public areas, as well as removing items from the Swannanoa River. (Photo credit: Town of Black Mountain)
Crews have been in Black Mountain this week removing debris from flooded public areas, as well as removing items from the Swannanoa River. (Photo credit: Town of Black Mountain)
Crews have been in Black Mountain this week removing debris from flooded public areas, as well as removing items from the Swannanoa River. (Photo credit: Town of Black Mountain)

Additionally, subcontractor crews from Wisconsin have been on site at Veteran’s Park pulling debris out of the Swannanoa River as well as other flooded areas. Debris being pulled out of the river not only includes vegetative debris and construction materials, it also includes the large metal pedestrian bridge that once stretched across the river connecting Veteran’s Park to the In the Oaks Trail. This bridge was damaged and pushed downstream from where it stood, a true testament of just how high and force of the floodwaters.

It is important to note that before work commenced, appropriate stream water permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies, were submitted and approved. All work is compliant with the rules and regulations of stream and stream bank work and is under the strict monitoring of Army Corps of Engineers personnel. Heavy equipment will be present in the Veteran’s Park area and citizens are asked to stay away from any work being performed. For now, Veteran’s Park remains closed to the public out of safety concerns.

Visit the town’s Hurricane Helene Recovery website to keep up with recovery efforts. Residents may also email recovery@tobm.org for any storm-related inquiries or call Town Hall at 828-419-9300, option 5.