Mendenhall River flooding update: volunteers needed as clean-up continues

As Juneau wraps up the third day of clean-up following the August 6 Mendenhall River flooding, resources continue to pour in. Many throughout the community and the state have stepped up to help those in need. We are intensely grateful for the support from state agencies, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, nonprofits, local and regional businesses, and individual Juneauites who have lent a hand in ways big and small.

Need is still great. Many residents are now beginning to understand the scale of the damage they face. Those with time and resources to volunteer are encouraged to read on to find out more about how they can help.

Volunteers Needed

In the past two days, we have seen a major increase in requests from residents affected by flooding for help pulling insulation, soaked carpets, and debris out of homes. Volunteer workers are also in need of tools, equipment, and cleaning supplies.

Throughout the weekend, United Way of Southeast Alaska is running a walk-in volunteer center in Melvin Park (4098 Riverside Drive) where volunteers can be matched with a resident in need or join general clean-up work. The volunteer center will be open Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Many homes need significant construction and demolition work to deal with damage. Volunteers comfortable doing labor-intensive tasks or demolition are especially in demand—though all are welcome and can be put to work.

Volunteer PPE:

• Please bring sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves
• Any additional PPE you may need, such as safety goggles or masks, should also be brought along

Equipment and Tools:

• If you have box fans, dehumidifiers, or any other tools you are willing to lend or donate, please bring them to the volunteer center
• Cleaning supplies are also greatly needed and can be dropped off along with tools
• If lending equipment, please clearly label it with your name and phone number

Hosting the Volunteer Center:

• United Way needs volunteers to help run the volunteer center at Melvin Park. This is not a physical job but involves operations and logistics, such as coordinating where people go and managing tasks.
• If you are interested in helping with the volunteer center, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Ryan O’Shaughnessy at (907) 209-5069

If you are in need of help, please fill out the form at bit.ly/juneau-flood. Volunteers will be dispatched to all homes/residents who sign up through this form. It may take some time because of the high number of people in need, but all who sign up will be connected with help.

For questions about the volunteer center, please contact Ryan O’Shaughnessy at (907) 209- 5069.

Debris Removal Continues

CBJ is working with the State of Alaska to collect disaster debris from neighborhoods impacted by flooding. DOT&PF and Alaska National Guard crews are currently out in the field picking up household garbage, furniture, and other non-hazardous waste.

Please help the crews work quickly by separating hazardous waste from the garbage pile. Hazardous items include cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, electronic waste/anything with a battery or cord (except freezers, refrigerators, and AC units).

CBJ is in the process of organizing a separate hazardous waste collection. Alternatively, you can dispose of hazardous waste for free at CBJ’s RecycleWorks facility. Visit juneaurecycling.com for more information about household hazardous waste.

Please remember to document and photograph damaged items before putting them out for disposal. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to ensure you’re collecting the right documentation. Visit juneau.org/newsroom-item/flood-insurance-faq for more information on flood insurance claims.

Refrigerators/Freezers: Please empty all food from refrigerators and freezers before putting them out for collection.

Self-Haul Ongoing—Long Lines at Landfill

If you don’t want to wait on the crews to get to your neighborhood, residents can also choose to self-haul flood waste to the Capitol Disposal landfill, owned and operated by Waste Management (WM). WM has extended landfill hours for residents dropping off flood waste. The following hours are effective from Thursday, August 8 until further notice:

• Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

Don’t forget to fill out the non-asbestos certification form before arriving at the landfill.

Please note: Lines are long due to the high number of residents affected by the flood. Out of consideration for your neighbors, please do not visit the landfill at this time unless you are disposing of flood debris.

Trees/Brush: Please bring brush, stumps and trees to the “stump dump” and not the landfill or Juneau Composts. Contact Alaska Juneau Construction at [email protected] or (907) 789-7199 or for disposal information. Visit juneaucomposts.com for more information on what materials they may accept.

Reimbursement: This is a reimbursable expense from Alaska DHS&EM for up to $1,500 if your application for Individual Assistance (IA) is approved by the State. Residents will need to provide receipts of payment for reimbursement and apply online or via the hotline at 1-844-445-7131 to utilize IA funding. Visit ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA to learn more about the process or start your application.

Emergency Bank Stabilization

CBJ has authorized emergency bank stabilization on the Mendenhall River to address immediate threats to property and safety. Property owners may proceed with bank stabilization that is necessary to make their property safe.

Making the property safe means action to protect property and structures from further damage from the flood. For example, property owners may immediately repair damage to existing bank stabilization, or place new bank stabilization.

Make sure to apply for the necessary permits within one month of starting the work. The window for emergency bank stabilization, which allows work to occur before obtaining a permit, is limited and will close within a few months.

Find out what you need to know about permitting and emergency bank stabilization here: Mendenhall River Emergency Bank Stabilization – How to Make Your Property Safe.