Trending
ELKINS - Upshur County residents are being asked to report stream debris blockages from the recent severe flooding, and to "take mold remediation seriously."
In an Upshur County press release Tuesday, residents were reminded to alert authorities to stream debris blockages that may worsen flooding or obstruct natural water flow.
The West Virginia Conservation Agency and its partner Conservation Districts have "deployed technicians statewide to assess flood‑related stream debris and coordinate assistance where appropriate," the release states.
"Conservation District technicians must work directly with the property owner. They cannot enter private property or begin any assessment unless the owner is aware, reachable, and able to grant permission," according to the release.
The state Conservation Agency's mission is "limited to natural stream, creek and drainage channel blockages" and "their focus is on debris that may create or worsen flooding hazards," the release states, meaning that culverts cannot be cleared by the technicians.
"Culverts, driveway pipes, road crossings and other man-made drainage structures fall outside WVCA authority," according to the release.
Upshur residents should report stream debris blockages to the Tygarts Valley Conservation District at 304-457‑3026.
WVCA technicians will coordinate with property owners to determine whether a blockage meets criteria for assistance and will prioritize locations based on severity and public safety concerns.
Upshur officials are also encouraging residents to take mold remediation seriously as flood clean-up efforts continue.
"Flood survivors often feel pressure to return to normalcy quickly, but failing to properly address mold can lead to long‑term health and structural problems," an Upshur County press release reads.
Residents are encouraged to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" available at EPA.gov, as well as the National Environmental Health Association’s "Indoor Mold Concerns" at https://pubs.neha.org/indoor-mold-concerns, described as a "clear, accessible resource for homeowners navigating mold issues after flooding."
Officials emphasize that proper drying, cleaning and removal of contaminated materials is essential to prevent future hazards.
Two Upshur residents lost their lives in the July 21 flooding. In Upshur and Lewis counties alone, 33 homes were destroyed, with 91 other homes experiencing major damage, 235 with minor damage, and 182 otherwise impacted.