Snowy Weather Hits Elizabethton as Landfill Fees Reinstated Following Hurricane Cleanup

Snowy Weather and Landfill Updates in Elizabethton

Good morning, Elizabethton! As we wake up to windy conditions and a few snow showers early this December, let’s dive into some important local news and weather updates.

Weather Forecast

Today’s forecast looks like quite the rollercoaster! We’re starting things off with morning temperatures peaking at 37°F, but don’t get too cozy just yet; the temperatures are expected to drop to around 20°F by evening. Bundle up, folks, as we have gusty winds blowing from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph, with some gusts hitting over 40 mph!

We can expect some light snow in the morning, with a 40% chance that you might need to shovel off some white stuff from your sidewalks. But don’t worry, bright sunshine is on the way to greet us later in the day. Just remember, tonight’s low is going to be chilly, around 14°F, so keep those winter coats handy!

Landfill News

Carter County Commission’s Landfill Committee, a significant decision was made regarding the post-Hurricane Helene debris cleanup. After two months of accepting debris free of charge due to the emergency declaration, the landfill will now reinstate its normal fees for disposing of materials.

That’s right; starting today, you’ll need to dig a little deeper into your pockets to get rid of items like rock, sand, fallen trees, and household garbage. The committee made this unanimous decision, signaling that our community is moving back towards normal operations. The landfill’s hours are also returning to their pre-emergency schedule, so plan your visits accordingly!

A Bit of Background

Let’s rewind a bit. Since September 27, when Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in our county, many residents were left with a mountain of debris. Mayor Patty Woodby had initially issued an order on September 29, allowing free disposal of storm-related refuse to assist citizens in the cleanup efforts without adding financial stress. Thankfully, a lot of help came from the Tennessee National Guard, who pitched in by picking up and hauling debris, as well as a contracted team for heavier lifting.

The contractor TFR has been busy picking up debris from public roads, running operations until December 13 for a final round of cleanup. In the meantime, our landfill has been making space for all the tons of debris. Chris Schüttler, the interim landfill manager, shared that loads have been substantial, including some hefty trucks hauling up to a staggering 100,000 pounds at a time!

Plans for the Future

With all this debris, the landfill is getting quite full, especially in the demolition and construction areas. Schüttler noted that he’s in talks with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to explore options for expanding the landfill. He’s using original plans from the 1980s to negotiate this much-needed expansion, which could prolong the life of our community’s waste management services.

So, whether you’re shoveling the driveway or planning a trip to the landfill, it sounds like Elizabethton has its hands full! Stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye on our weather updates as we head further into December!