The final stages of restoring the temporary debris storage site in Olowalu that once held 400,000 tons of ash, soil and other debris from the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfire is nearing completion.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Maui County, on Friday announced the recent closure of the debris call center and the removal of storage site infrastructure, “marking distinct chapters in the ongoing recovery efforts” following the Aug. 8, 2023, disaster that killed 102 people, destroyed about 5,500 homes and nearly wiped out the town of Lahaina.
The closure of the call center, effective Nov. 14, “follows more than two years of dedicated efforts to remove wildfire debris and restore community spaces,” according to a joint news release. Residents seeking information on the debris cleanup are being directed to visit www.mauirecovers.org/debriscleanup for updates and points of contact.
The transport of wildfire debris from the temporary storage site in Olowalu in West Maui to the permanent disposal site at the Central Maui Landfill began in mid-June, with 50 trucks making daily round trips to complete the transfer.
The massive operation was completed in October, allowing restoration work at Olowalu to start.
On Nov. 10, USACE and its contractor, Environmental Chemical Corp., successfully completed the removal of all infrastructure at the temporary debris storage site, including liners, leachate systems and operations layer, the news release said. Temporary traffic signals along Honoapiilani Highway and Pulehu Road, which were used to ensure the safe transport of debris, also have been removed.
“We’ve made incredible strides in restoring our community, and while the TDS restoration is nearing completion, our work is far from done,” said Mayor Richard Bissen in the news release. “We are grateful for the continued support from USACE, FEMA and all our partners, who have worked tirelessly alongside us every step of the way to help Maui rebuild and recover.”
USACE will participate for a final time Dec. 3 in monthly Lahaina community meetings to provide the public with updates on the restoration.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made alongside the County of Maui, FEMA and all our partners,” said Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff, USACE Honolulu District commander, in the release. “This collaboration highlights the strength of our federal, state and local partnerships, and we remain dedicated to supporting Maui’s continued recovery as it rebuilds and reimagines its future.”
Officials have said that tests will be conducted to confirm no contamination reached the surrounding environment at the Olowalu site.
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For more information
>> For updates on restoration of the Lahaina wildfire temporary debris storage site in Olowalu, visit www.mauirecovers.org/debris-containment.
>> For the debris cleanup, visit www.mauirecovers.org/debriscleanup .
Source: The Garden Island
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