Edwards announces agreement with FEMA, USACE to improve oversight of debris removal along WNC rivers

In response to growing concerns from property owners, environmental groups, and local stakeholders, Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced a new agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to improve accountability and transparency in ongoing debris removal operations around Western North Carolina's rivers.

Over the past week, Congressman Edwards and his staff held two in-person meetings with more than 30 local advocates and residents, including representatives from the Southern Environmental Law Firm and regional conservation groups. During the meeting, stakeholders raised concerns about the removal of more debris than necessary, inadequate protection of wildlife habitat, and insufficient communication with landowners.

"As local and federal partners work to restore our waterways after flooding from Helene, it's essential that we balance public safety with private property rights and environmental integrity,"said Edwards. "After seeing firsthand how improper debris removal is impacting private property and unnecessarily disturbing wildlife habitats, my office has worked with FEMA and USACE to come up with an action plan to improve this process moving forward."

Key outcomes of the agreement include:

• County leadership will provide immediate, active oversight of all debris removal operations occurring within their jurisdictions.
• Property owners are encouraged to mark debris areas of concern with a red flag.
  • These flagged areas will not be disturbed until the property owner, the county, and USACE engage in a consultation.
  • Counties will make final decisions based on the need to protect downstream infrastructure while respecting private property.

"The USACE and their subcontractors have worked diligently to restore our rivers and surrounding areas, and my team will continue to assess the debris removal process and listen to the concerns of community members to improve precision on what is being removed,"Edwards added.

Information on FEMA and USACE's upcoming debris removal efforts in Western North Carolina will be available on Thursday, June 5 at edwards.house.gov/debrisremoval. In the meantime, constituents can call George Minges, USACE lead debris subject matter expert, at 502-443-5335 for information on when and where debris is being removed.