Beaufort County, SC Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Section 22-114(2) authorizes the director of public works to manage removal from public rights-of-way of debris and rubble, trees, and damaged or destroyed cars, trailers and equipment, plus other private property, without notice to owners, provided that in the director's opinion the removal is reasonably justified to protect life and property, allow emergency evacuation, ensure firefighting or ambulance access, mitigate hazardous conditions, or restore public infrastructure. The director may also secure emergency waivers of environmental regulations from state and federal agencies and call on outside agencies for help with debris clearance, hazardous material spills, and restoring ground access.

Debris clearance itself is carried out by pre-selected contractors, with further procedures spelled out in the county's separate Debris Management Plan, which the ordinance incorporates by reference. Section 22-114(3) requires the county to designate suitable refuse reduction and disposal sites throughout the county before a disaster occurs, with sites recommended and evaluated by county staff for the county administrator's approval, so temporary staging and reduction locations are ready before storm debris starts arriving. ).