During a special meeting held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on Wednesday, Oct. 15, the BoCC unanimously approved Resolution 2025-58, adopting a countywide debris management plan.
During the meeting, Emergency Management Commander Roy Vega explained that the county began working on the debris management plan back in June, noting that the most recent debris management plan had been adopted in 2017.
Sheriff Mike Le Roux explained that significant verbiage was added to the updated plan, noting that the Public Works Department reviewed it, as well.
Commissioner Veronica Medina asked what the purpose of the plan is and how it is intended to help residents in the county, with Vega explaining that “it helps with creating priorities.”
Vega mentioned the plan helps track progress, along with helping decide what debris can be reused or recycled, and what needs to go to the landfill.
“It helps just keep everything in the chain of command,” he said.
Vega noted that taking debris to the landfill is a last resort, commenting that with the recent flooding events a lot of wooden debris was pushed onto properties and “more chipping options” are being considered for that, instead of hauling it all off to the landfill.
Le Roux commented that the debris plan formalizes and establishes the process for debris cleanup, along with identifying a rapid needs assessment.
County Attorney Cathleen Giovannini also explained that the debris plan helps coordinate with other governmental agencies and can help the county get “potentially funds and grants.”
Flood debris drop-offs
According to the Archuleta County website, wooden debris can be taken to the CSU Extension building located at 344 U.S. 84, and drop-offs will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No other materials are permitted to be mixed in or dropped off at this location.
The county transfer station located 2140 County Road 500 will accept flood-damaged personal items and white goods (appliances) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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