Residents dump tree debris from storm at disposal centers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — As City Utilities is close to restoring power to a few remaining customers, they have begun to prioritize the clean-up efforts from the April 29 storms.

A press release from City Utilities states that they will only remove utility related debris such as tools, equipment, transformers and cross arms. Any organic material like branches or bushes is the responsibility of the property owner to clean up.

Most of the widespread damage was caused by falling trees, which damaged peoples' homes and blocked roads.

To accommodate the cleanup efforts, Springfield Environmental Services will waive brush disposal fees at the Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC) and Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill facilities.

According to Springfield Public Works, nearly 2000 brush customers brought debris to the YRC since opening on May 2, as well as over 12,652 cubic yards of brush and debris have been taken to the YRC brush lot.

The facilities will be open at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Friday, May 2 to Saturday, May 10.

According to Joel Alexander, Media Relations Manager for City Utilites, they are still currently assessing the damages and "will hopefully have that in the next couple of days."

There are resources available for those who cannot transport brush to our facilities. For details, please call the Greene County Public Information Call Center at 417-829-6200.

For those interested in volunteering, call the Office of Emergency Management at 417-872-6720.