Special cleanup scheduled for North Side tornado tree debris
Minneapolis continues to assess damage and clear streets and alleys following yesterday’s tornado on the North Side of Minneapolis. Public Works and Park Board crews are working to make streets passable. As that work progresses, the City and Park Board will offer a tree debris pickup service for property owners in the affected area.
Public Works and Park Board crews will collect tree debris that can be brought to the boulevard beginning Wednesday, May 25 through June 10 for properties affected by the tornado in the city west of Interstate 94 and north of Highway 55 (Olson Memorial Highway). This service is for property owners clearing their property of tree debris after storm damage only—it is not for contractors doing work for property owners or for regular tree pruning. It is only for tree debris, not construction or other materials.
Here's how residents in the area can prepare downed trees and branches for collection:
- Move larger limbs, branches, and trunks to the boulevard area in front of your house. The City will pick up and dispose of these items at no charge. Crews will collect tree debris from the boulevards beginning May 25 through June 10.
- Property owners adjacent to tree debris placed on the boulevard are asked not to park vehicles near the debris, to help crews in the removal process. "No parking" signs may be posted and enforced to facilitate the cleanup operation.
- If residents have large tree debris that is located in the back of the house by the alley, call 311 to request an alley pick-up. However, please be advised that this may not be possible in some instances if the needed equipment cannot access the site.
- For property owners outside of the defined area that also have storm damaged tree debris, call 311 to request service. Crews will assess the request to see if it qualifies for this special service.
- After June 10, property owners can continue to use the City's regular yard waste services to get rid of small storm debris. These services include the collection of limbs that are less than 3 inches in diameter, are cut to less than 3 feet long, and are bundled with rope or twine (do not use wire). The bundles should not weigh more than 40 pounds.
- Before clearing trees and debris make sure there are no downed power lines. Residents can contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999 to report damaged power lines.
If you have debris from a building, such as your home or business, contain the debris until you can properly dispose of it. Eliminate hazards, such projecting pieces, broken glass or anything overhead that has come loose. Protect debris from the wind and from anyone who may come along and disturb it. If you have concerns about asbestos in your building debris, contact the Minnesota Department of Health asbestos program at (651) 201-4620 or at health.asbestos@state.mn.us.
Published May. 23, 2011