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Skagit County flooding cleanup continues
It's a long road ahead for those recovering from historic flooding in Skagit County, and resources are available for those who want to start the new year with a clean slate.
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - For many residents in the Skagit Valley, it is a long road towards recovery from historic flooding of the Skagit River. Skagit County is offering free resources for those who want to start the New Year with a clean slate.
County officials announced households affected by the flooding can dispose of debris for free at the Skagit County Recycling and Transfer Station in Mount Vernon. Disposal is open through Jan. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"A lot of people were affected," said Mark Gage, while dropping off recycling. "I was just praying for the people."
On December 12, at the Mount Vernon gauge, the Skagit River crested at 37.73 feet. This surpassed the previous modern record set in November 1990.
Truck after truck, people waited in line on Wednesday to unload at the county transfer station.
"Oh, boy, I had a friend who came here yesterday. He had to actually turn around and leave," said Gage, who also waited in a long line.
What they're saying:
Gabriel Duke is a contractor with Dukes Building in Mount Vernon. He was one of many people dropping off heavy hauls of flood debris on New Year’s Eve.
"Bringing several loads of sheet rock and carpet and flooring, and cabinets, and just everything," said Duke.
Though it has been a couple of weeks since the Skagit River receded, Duke said he is just as busy today servicing water-damaged homes.
"A lot of dampness, and at this point, starting to see some mold growth because it’s been a couple weeks," said the contractor. "It is getting into dangerous territory with mold growth at this point."
Officials with Skagit County said they are also working with Skagit County Emergency Management to help streamline flood debris disposal.
The transfer station in Mount Vernon accepts drywall, insulation, flooring/carpet, furniture, and appliances. Select household hazardous waste is available for drop-off Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sauk Transfer Station in Concrete is also taking small loads of flood debris at no charge. It’s available Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Jan. 16.
While households continue cleaning up and drying out, Duke suggested they also cut off the heat.
"Everybody’s first instinct is let’s crank up that heat, let’s dry it out. And you don’t want to do that," said Duke. "If they don’t have airflow or dehumidifiers, not running their heaters because it just turns into a Petri dish. It’s like unplugging your fridge, the food is going to spoil."
Skagit County said anyone with questions about the transfer stations can call 360-416-1570. The stations are closed on New Year’s Day.
Lautenbach Recycling in Mount Vernon is also accepting flood debris at no charge, for items including untreated wood, sticks/limbs, concrete, asphalt, and appliances.
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The Source: Information in this story came from Skagit County Emergency Management, Dukes Building, and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.