For Immediate Release, Friday, February 03, 2006

EPA Begins Final Pick Up of St. Tammany Parish
Bring all white goods to the curb by February 7^th

 
            All St. Tammany parish residents needing to dispose of white goods (such as refrigerators or freezers) damaged during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita must have them curbside no later than February 7^th.  In addition, residents should call the EPA hotline at 1-800-401-1327 to notify the EPA of the street address of the white goods.

             The EPA cannot enter private property to pick up white goods.  They must be curbside.  When the final pick up begins February 7^th, goods must be placed next to the street.  Citizens with special circumstances should call 1-800-401-1327 for assistance. 

  “Do not, however, block any drainage ditches with goods,” said Parish Engineer Jéan Thibodeaux.  “We need to keep drainage ways open.” 

            Not all goods will be picked up February 7^th.  The final pickup process will begin that day.  If your item is not curbside and the sweep is made of your area, it will not be picked up.

            In a meeting this morning with Parish Environmental Services Director Greg Gorden, the EPA announced that they have already collected over 67,000 white goods from St. Tammany Parish and over 86,000 individual household hazardous material items. Approximately 10% of the goods were collected in the Mandeville/Covington areas and 90% in the Slidell area.  

            The pick up of ammunition, fireworks and other explosive materials will continue through the end of February.  The same phone number should be used to report these items.

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