BELL COUNTY, Texas — Bell County has ended its brush collection efforts in the aftermath of tornadoes and severe storms that hit Central Texas on May 22, the County announced on July 10.
Bell County said it partnered with Ceres Environmental to take on the task of removing brush from unincorporated areas following the storms, and that as of July 10, Ceres had "completed its efforts".
Bell County said Ceres crews removed more than 50,000 cubic yards of brush and debris from right-of-ways in unincorporated parts of the county, enough to fill a dozen Olympic-sized swimming pools or bury a football field in over eight feet of brush.
As the county has ceased its brush removal efforts, Bell County says property owners will now be responsible for burning or moving any remaining debris from their property. Those in unincorporated parts of the county are required to report burns through the Burn Ban phone line at (254) 933-5555, said the County.
Bell County said for those living within city limits of a city, some municipalities are still working on their brush removal efforts, and residents should check their city's website or social media for information and updates.
According to the County, brush and debris was collected in multiple phases over the past seven weeks, beginning with the removal of "the bulk of debris" from the areas hit hardest by the storm. Ceres then reportedly used bucket trucks to cut down any remaining hanging or leaning tree limbs.
A 360° vehicle like those used by Google Earth was reportedly used to map debris locations and make sure trucks could "efficiently follow-up in areas as needed".
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