Town of Burnsville Update
October 11, 2024
Water and Sewer Systems
A temporary water intake pump and ½ mile of water line has been installed, providing water to the Water Treatment Plant. The plant is assessing water quality and beginning the process of treating water. Once the plant is ready and begins to slowly phase water into distribution lines, crews are ready to repair potential breaks throughout the system. When water is reestablished the water must be boiled until the system can be flushed and sanitized. The water will still be usable for showering and flushing toilets.
Camera work continues on sewer lines with emergency repairs to any breaks.
Parts of the Wastewater Treatment were underwater and in need of replacement. Temporary equipment is on its way, allowing the plant some capacity to operate once water is reestablished. Town staff is working with FEMA, the State, and insurance adjusters to fund repairs.
Water
A potable water truck is set up on N. Main Street.
Free water is available on Avery Street, across from Reconciliation House, to fill tanks.
The Living Water Treatment System (LWTS) by Water Mission is set up at Ray Court Park. The system can make up to 10,000 gallons of clean water every day. It pulls water from the creek, removes dirt and germs with specialized filtration, followed by chlorine disinfection to make sure the water is safe for people to drink. Bring your own containers to fill. A similar system has been placed at the former Bald Creek Elementary School, near West Yancey Fire Department.
Port-a-jones and hand washing stations are beginning to show up, with four at the Town Center. More will be located at the Town’s public restrooms near the Chamber of Commerce very soon.
Blue Ridge Elementary has shower trailers available.
Garbage
Burnsville Residential trash pick-up should return to its regular schedule on Friday (10/11).
East Yancey and Riverside Convenience Centers will be open from 7am to 4pm. Only household bagged trash will be accepted at this time. The landfill remains closed to the public. Yancey County is actively working on a plan for disposal of construction/storm debris. DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR DEBRIS.
Volunteers
Anyone wishing to volunteer for supply and donation receiving and distribution sites, support for emergency shelters, etc. should report to the Burnsville Town Center at 6 S Main Street at 9:15am or 1pm daily. Partners Aligned Toward Health is organizing “people volunteers” only, NOT the heavy machinery volunteers.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aids individuals, communities, and local governments affected by disasters, helping them recover and rebuild.
- FEMA Individual and Household Program: Visit FEMA.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov
- Apply online, over the phone 800-621-3362, or in person with officials at the Yancey County Public Library from 9am-5pm.
Small Business Administration
The SBA provides low-interest loans to businesses or homeowners/individuals for disaster recovery efforts. Apply ASAP.
- Online: Disaster assistance – sba.gov
- Phone: 800-659-2955 from 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov