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Post-Harvey Solid Waste FAQ’s

UPDATE: City, WCA Partner to Immediately Resume Regular Solid Waste Service for Municipal Program

In an effort to provide timely, efficient service to Municipal Solid Waste Program customers in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, City management and WCA developed a collection plan to resume regular and recycling service for residents starting this Monday, Sept. 11 at 7 a.m.

“We are grateful to WCA officials for working with us to immediately provide solid waste to our citizens as the City recovers from Hurricane Harvey,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “This timely response aligns with our goal to consistently provide superior service to residents.”

The City is also partnering with Fort Bend County to provide residents with up-to-date information about storm debris pickup plans. The updated FAQs below address the most common solid waste questions being asked in the community.

Residents are asked to park vehicles away from solid waste pickup areas to assure trucks and crews have access to collect disposable materials.

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Who will pick up my trash?
For residents receiving City service, WCA will resume regular, recycling, bulk and yard waste pickups this Monday, Sept. 11 at 7 a.m. Residents are reminded to bag all green waste, such as grass or leaves.

When will storm debris such as building materials and tree limbs be picked up and who is handling those collections?
Other waste resulting from Hurricane Harvey, such as construction, demolition debris and tree limbs, will be picked up in accordance with the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management debris management program. These materials should not be bagged. The county is scheduled to start this clean up over the weekend.

Will I receive a rebate or discount if WCA did not pick up my household trash, yard trimmings, and recyclable materials during or after the hurricane?
No. Pursuant to WCA’s contract with the City, if the company is unable to perform its duties because of an event out of its control, such as a hurricane or a tornado, WCA’s inability to perform must be excused during and after such event to provide crews with enough time to correct the adverse effect of the event.

Do I have to separate my trash for pick up?
Yes. Refer to the “Separating Your Debris” diagram above and on the homepage of the City’s website: www.missouricitytx.gov.

For updates, please watch the City website, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

Post-Harvey: City Proactively Prepared to “Fight the Bite”

Post-Harvey: City Proactively Prepared to “Fight the Bite”;

Officials Adding Extra Mosquito Spraying Days 

In response to the heavy rains and high waterway levels from Hurricane Harvey, Missouri City will be performing additional mosquito spraying for the next six weeks.

Due to the temperature change, mosquitoes are on the rise and, starting Tuesday, Sept. 12, the City contractor will be conducting one additional spray per week. Spraying will take place in all communities every Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Spraying covers all streets and neighborhoods within City limits, including the private streets of communities that have provided a gate code for accessibility by the spraying contractor. Also, in addition to the contractor’s cycle, City staff sprays common areas like parks, green spaces, and the Quail Valley Golf Course as the need arises.

An environmentally friendly pesticide, Kontrol 30-30, will be used and special attention will be given to locations where mosquitoes swarm, including public drainage areas.

“The City will continuously monitor this issue, as is done in all major water events, and may increase sprayings if necessary,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “Mosquitoes can be a health hazard and the spraying program is a key prevention measure we have in place to keep the populations low.”

Staff also encourages all residents to prepare themselves to “Fight the Bite” by following the 4 D’s:

  • DUSK/DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.
  • DRESS in long sleeves, pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
  • DEFEND yourself by using an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow label instructions and reapply as you would with sunscreen, after sweating and swimming.
  • DRAIN standing water in your backyard and neighborhood. Make sure that flower pots, water dishes, bird baths and wading pools are properly drained.

In the event you get a mosquito bite, experts recommend the first-aid procedures below:

  • Wash the bite with soap and water
  • Apply anti-itch cream or use calamine lotion or oatmeal bath for itching
  • Place an ice pack to reduce any swelling
  •  Seek medical attention immediately if you experience dizziness, swelling of lips and throat or difficulty breathing.

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website:www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

Hurricane Harvey Update

Fort Bend County Announces Evacuation Orders Modification for Districts Near the Brazos River

UPDATE: 9/1 1 p.m.: The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has officially changed the evacuation orders for the following areas:

District changing from mandatory to voluntary evacuation include:

  • Fort Bend MUD No. 46
  • Fort Bend MUD No. 49
  • Palmer Plantation MUD No. 1
  • Palmer Plantation MUD No. 2
  • Fort Bend LID No. 7

Portions of districts changing from mandatory to voluntary evacuation:

  • Sienna Plantation LID – North of the Gulf Coast Water Authority Canal

Districts remaining under mandatory evacuation:

  • Fort Bend Lid No. 20
  • Pecan Grove MUD

Portion of districts that will remain under mandatory:

  • Sienna Plantation LID – South of the Golf Coast Water Authority Canal
  • First Colony LID No. 1 – South of Highway 6
  • Fort Bend LID No. 19 – South of Hagerson Road

Districts remaining under voluntary evacuation:

  • Fort Bend LID No. 2
  • Fort Bend LID No. 10
  • Fort Bend LID No. 11
  • Fort Bend LID No. 14
  • Fort Bend LID No. 17
  • First Colony LID No. 2
  • Fort Bend LID No. 6
  • Fort Bend LID No. 15
  • Fort Bend MUD No. 121

Portions of districts remaining under voluntary evacuation:

  • Fort Bend LID No. 19 – North of Hagerson Road
  • First Colony LID No. 1 – North of Highway 6

Residents may determine which area their home is in by typing their address into the County’s interactive map.

 As of 4:15 p.m., the National Weather Service is reporting the Brazos River at a level of 54.94’ after cresting earlier on Friday, Sept. 1, at 55.19’. See the most recent river levels.

Residents with additional questions about the County’s evacuation orders may visit www.fbcoem.org or call 281.342.6185.

Brazos River Crests at Richmond Gage; Shelters Closing in Missouri City, Donations No Longer Accepted at Rec Center

UPDATE: 9/1 1 p.m.: As of 12:15 p.m. the Brazos River is at 55.08’, after cresting at 55.19’ earlier today. The mandatory and voluntary evacuations remain in place until notification is shared by Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert. Residents with questions about the County’s evacuation orders may visit www.fbcoem.org or call 281.342.6185.

Although the Brazos River has begun to lower in our area, we still see its effects in our community. Continue to check the City’s interactive road closure map to see where high water areas and road closures are located.

The Red Cross has also closed the Thurgood Marshall High School shelter in Missouri City. For Information on the American Red Cross Shelters call 1.800.733.2767.

Donations are no longer going to be accepted at the Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., as the Center will begin preparing to opening for regular business hours. Residents may visit the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management’s website to learn about County donation drop-off locations.

Societal Restoration; Recovery for Citizens and the Business Community

Societal Restoration is a key objective of recovery from emergency situations. Recovery for our citizens and business community is vital to restoring our City’s way of life.

Homeowners

Homeowners are highly encouraged to file a claim with their insurance provider. It is important that homeowners understand the difference between a homeowners policy and a flood insurance policy.

A homeowner’s property insurance policy is administered through an insurance provider such as State Farm, Farmers, Travelers, etc. This policy will cover things related to Harvey and its tornados such as roof leaks, structural damage and content loss. Regarding water damage from rainfall to the structure, the homeowner’s policy will cover water damage that comes from the sky.

Flood insurance is administered by FEMA and is underwritten by insurance companies. Flood insurance is what provides coverage from water damage that results from rising flood water. This means that the flooding caused by Harvey or the rising river water that causes damage is covered under a flood insurance policy. A homeowner’s property insurance policy will not cover damage due to rising flood waters. For information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) homeowners can refer to www.floodsmart.gov.

A homeowner should always file a direct claim with their property and flood insurance carriers. They should also file for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA). Homeowners should file their FEMA application at www.disasterassistance.gov.

In certain circumstances a homeowner may receive their property insurance claim, however, the claim may not be enough to cover the cost of repairs (i.e. insurance deductible). Additionally, because a homeowner has insurance, FEMA may deny their application for benefits. If this occurs the homeowner can apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This very low interest rate government loan can potentially make up the gap to cover the cost of repairs. They can apply for this program at www.sba.gov.

Business Owners

In addition to applying for property insurance on their business, residents can also participate in the NFIP and purchase flood insurance. The same rules apply regarding Harvey damages and rising flood water. Small Business Owners are not eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance. They can apply for loans through the SBA at www.sba.gov.

In all cases, a flood insurance policy does not go into effect when initially purchased. There is a 30 day waiting period before a policy becomes active. If a policy was purchased a week before Harvey, and the property received flood water damage, the insurance claim will most likely be denied because the policy was not yet active.

In the coming days, FEMA and several insurance carriers will establish recovery centers to assist residents with applying for assistance. In all cases, FEMA applications should be filed online at the www.disasterassistance.gov website. This will expedite their application through the FEMA system. If FEMA denies benefits, the homeowner’s application is automatically forwarded to the Small Business Administration. The SBA coordinates its efforts directly with FEMA and will be present at the FEMA recovery center.

For more information, please contact Division Chief of Training/Emergency Management Coordinator Jaime Ponce de Leon’s office at 281.403.4370.

UPDATE: 9/1: WCA/VF Waste Services will resume regular service for solid waste that is placed in the blue cart. Please place your cart out at the curb in the same manner as you normally do. Recycling services will be suspended until Monday, Sept. 11, when they will resume as normal for all customers citywide.

Regular service will also take place on Monday, Sept. 4, for all customers on Labor Day. Please note, suspended WCA/VF Waste Services due to this storm event will not be made up or pushed to another service day. Safety is WCA/VF Waste Services’ number one concern; they hope everyone is safe during this time.

Our commercial collection service is operating on a limited basis.  We are only collecting trash from hospitals, apartments, restaurants, and convenience stores. We will begin normal operations very soon.

All storm debris, including hazardous waste and construction debris, will be serviced on a separate schedule to be determined on a later date; details will be shared with residents when finalized. Please reference the above FEMA graphic for clarification regarding different debris types. City staff are finalizing details with the County and will notify residents of proper procedures when an announcement is ready regarding storm debris pickup.

Collection services were suspended the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, due to the severe weather and flooding caused from Harvey. WCA/VF Waste has been continuing to assess serviceability of the roadways and communities on a day-to-day basis and have been updating customers via their website and email announcement blasts.  If you would like to receive updates, please register by sending an email to awilhite@wcamerica.com.

WCA/VF Waste’s mission is to provide the best service possible to communities, and during times like this, it is their goal to first collect putrescible waste, which is the material that begins to breakdown and, if left uncollected, would begin to decompose in the Houston heat.

WCA/VF Waste asks that residents separate their putrescible waste from their bulk waste to ensure proper and timely collection (a four bag maximum, per home, will be picked up each service day). WCA/VF Waste Services will not be collecting carpet or construction materials as regular collection related to this storm event. More details will be published at a later date.

WCA’s customer service line is 281.403.5800; due to the storm, residents may experience a delay in service while calling the line, but all questions and concerns will be addressed.

As Brazos Rises, Water Still Safe to Drink; Tennis & Rec Center Accepting Donations Again

UPDATE: 8/31 9 a.m.: As of Wednesday evening, Aug. 30, all water plants and water distribution systems in the City and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction are operating normally, and water is safe to drink.  There is no need to boil water before drinking.

As the Brazos River flood levels crest and slowly subside, water levels in local creeks and ditches will remain high. Please turn off all landscape irrigation and avoid excess water usage.  If toilets are difficult to flush, this will improve as water levels go down. 

The Tennis and Rec Center located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr. Missouri City, TX 77489 is accepting donations on Thursday, Aug. 31 starting at 8 a.m. A list of items needed is as follows:

  • Kitchen trash bags
  • Milk (non-perishable)
  • Orange juice (non-perishable)
  • Instant rice
  • Fruit (apples and bananas)
  • Mouthwash
  • Shaving cream/lotion
  • Hand sanitizer (travel size preferably)
  • Undergarments
  • Hair Brushes
  • Ponytail holders/clips
  • Lip balm

Questions regarding donations may be directed to the emergency hotline extension 281.403.5801. The County also has a list of all area shelters and donation drop-off points on their website. Contact the County at 281.342.6185 to learn more about donation and volunteer needs.

As of 6:15 a.m., the Brazos River’s latest observed value is 54.89’. It has a projected crest of 56’ on Friday, Sept. 1. Evacuation orders are still in place; residents will be notified through official City communications when the evacuation order has been lifted.

As the river rises, additional roads closures are being reported to the City. Covey Trail is closed from FM 1092 to Covey Trail Ct. due to high water causing the road to become impassible. Continue to check the City’s interactive road closure map to see where high water areas and road closures are located.

FEMA has a website for those in need of recovery assistance who may register and see if they qualify for housing and financial assistance from their agency: www.disasterassistance.gov.

Many of our residents have also asked about the status of their solid waste and recycling service. Our municipal solid waste and recycling service provider WCA Waste will not be providing service on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

In response to requests from Fort Bend County law enforcement officials, Judge Bob Hebert has issued a curfew order for unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County. This curfew will be in effect beginning August 31, 2017 through September 6, 2017 each day from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m.

The curfew states that the only people who may remain in or travel around on both public and private property … are:

  • Law Enforcement Personnel
  • People authorized by the County Judge to assist in the protection of the health, safety, or welfare of the public
  • Owners of the property in which they are found during curfew hours
  • A person who remains or travels upon private property which is owned by him or upon which the person has been invited

This order will take effect immediately. Residents may view the County’s interactive map to see if they fall under Judge Hebert’s evacuation order.

As a reminder, Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen has signed an order to establish a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for Missouri City. This order goes into effect immediately and will be in place until further notice. Residents may view the Mayor’s order.

Mayor Allen Owen also signed an emergency order of voluntary evacuation for portions of Missouri City on Tues., Aug. 29 based on the previous 59’ Brazos River level projected crest; view the document here.

Several vehicles in the Missouri City area were flooded out do to Hurricane Harvey. Residents looking to inquire about their vehicles may contact the following towing companies:

  • Collision Clinic – 281.261.0124
  • Eastside – 281.431.0427
  • Quality – 281.431.0427…
  • Elite – 281.733.3379
  • Gomez – 281.416.9227
  • Long – 281.642.3135
  • MD Wilson – 281.413.1533
  • Tri County – 281.416.8000
  • Uptown – 832.689.1657
  • Elite – 281.733.3379
  • Gomez – 281.416.9227
  • Long – 281.642.3135
  • MD Wilson – 281.413.1533
  • Tri County – 281.416.8000
  • Uptown – 832.689.1657

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services have been diligent in their efforts to share pharmacy and grocery stores that have begun opening their doors. Below is a list of pharmacies and stores that have begun opening their doors:

pharmacys.pnggrocery.png

For additional information, residents should call the emergency operations hotline at 281.403.5801.

 Residents may view the County’s interactive map to if they fall under Judge Hebert’s evacuation order here.

Residents can see which roadways within City limit have been closed and areas of high water on the City’s interactive GIS map.

As of 9:15 a.m., the Brazos River’s latest observed value is 53.52’. It has a NEW projected crest of 56’ in the morning on Friday, Sept. 1. Evacuation orders are still in place; residents will be notified through official City communications when the evacuation order has been lifted. See up-to-date river projects and levels here.

As a reminder, Mayor Allen Owen signed an emergency order of voluntary evacuation for portions of Missouri City on Tues., Aug. 29 based on the previous 59’ Brazos River level projected crest; view the document here.

We have a number of shelters set up in place throughout the County for evacuees; a new shelter locatipon has been setup at Stafford High School, 1625 Staffordshire Rd., Stafford, TX 77477. As a reminder, animals must be crated at Red Cross Shelters. Donations can  now be dropped off at the Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., we are in need of the following items:

  • Blankets & towels
  • Pillows
  • Air mattresses
  • Toiletries (including feminine hygiene products)
  • Pre-packaged, non-perishable snacks (including those sensitive to food allergies)
  • Clothes 
  • Shoes
  • Toys/books
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Formula

As of 8:15 a.m., the Brazos River’s latest observed value is 53.45’. It has a projected crest of 57.5’ at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1. Evacuation orders are still in place; residents will be notified through official City communications when the evacuation order has been lifted.

UPDATE 8/30 8 a.m.: Several vehicles in the Missouri City area were flooded out do to Hurricane Harvey. Residents looking to inquire about their vehicles may contact the following towing companies:

  • Collision Clinic – 281.261.0124
  • Eastside – 281.431.0427
  • Quality – 281.431.0427…
  • Elite – 281.733.3379
  • Gomez – 281.416.9227
  • Long – 281.642.3135
  • MD Wilson – 281.413.1533
  • Tri County – 281.416.8000
  • Uptown – 832.689.1657
  • Elite – 281.733.3379
  • Gomez – 281.416.9227
  • Long – 281.642.3135
  • MD Wilson – 281.413.1533
  • Tri County – 281.416.8000
  • Uptown – 832.689.1657

For additional information, residents should call the emergency operations hotline at 281.403.5801.For additional information, residents should call the emergency operations hotline at 281.403.5801.

NRG Center, 1 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054 is now open for shelter of evacuated residents.

Highway 6 from Lakeshore Harbor Boulevard/Trammel Fresno Rd. to Sienna Ranch Road is now open.

Due to inclement weather conditions, the Ladies Double Social Tournament scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 31 at the Tennis and Rec center has been cancelled. Please contact the Tennis and Recreation Center at 281.403.8637 for tournament updates.

WCA/VF Waste Services collection services were suspended the afternoon of Friday, August 25, 2017, due to the severe weather and flooding caused from Hurricane Harvey.  WCA/VF Waste has been continuing to assess serviceability of the roadways and communities on a day-to-day basis and have been updating customers via their website and email announcement blasts.  If you would like to receive updates via email, please register by sending an email to awilhite@wcamerica.com.

WCA/VF Waste’s mission is to provide the best service possible to communities, and during times like this, it is their goal to collect the putrescible waste first.  This is the material that begins to breakdown and if left uncollected would begin to decompose in the Houston heat. WCA/VF Waste ask that residents separate their putrescible waste from their bulk waste to ensure proper and timely collection (A four bag maximum, per home, will be picked up each service day).  WCA/VF WASTE SERVICES will not be collecting carpet or construction materials as regular collection related to this storm event.

WCA/VF Waste Services made the decision due to severe weather conditions, and safety concerns, to suspend operations for Wednesday, August 30, 2017, and possibly Thursday, August 31, 2017, for the greater Houston area.  Bay City/Wharton/Matagorda County services will not run until the mandatory evacuation is lifted.  As the storm dissipates and the streets clear through the Greater Houston Area, WCA/VF Waste anticipate site operations resuming Friday, September 1, 2017.

Please note, suspended services due to this storm event will not be made up or pushed to another service day.  Safety is WCA/VF Waste Services number one concern; they hope everyone is safe during this time. Thank you for your patience and continued trust in WCA/VF Waste Services.

A list of Harvey Resources/FAQ’s is available on the City’s website, www.missouricitytx.gov, and the City’s Emergency Management website, www.missouricityready.com.

Residents with additional questions may call the citizen hotline at 281.403.5801 while the EOC remains activated; residents should use the hotline to report any damage to their property.

To receive news and alerts on flood safety, road closures and other emergency management issues, visit www.MissouriCityReady.com, the City’s official emergency management website; follow us @MissouriCityEM and @MissouriCityTX on Twitter, follow us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX, visit www.missouricitytx.gov, tune into 1690 AM, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

Niagara Bottling Donates $1 Million

Niagara Bottling Donates More Than 2 Million Bottles of Water and Pledges $1 Million to Support Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Efforts


Throughout the past several days, Niagara Bottling has donated more than 2 million bottles of water to emergency relief partners including Feed the Children, Convoy of Hope, the Houston Food Bank and local police and fire first responders. Niagara is committed to continuing this effort to support the needs of the region. Niagara is working closely with FEMA, our retailers and our disaster relief partners to provide safe, quality drinking water to those in need.

To assist with the recovery efforts, Niagara Cares, the philanthropic division of Niagara Bottling, notified Missouri City Mayor Allen that it is pledging $1 million dollars to help with disaster relief efforts in both the “Show Me” City and Seguin, Texas. Niagara will work with local government leadership to identify how to best aid the communities of Seguin and Missouri City in addition to assisting affected employees. Niagara currently has more than 500 employees in Texas and has operated in the state for more than 9 years.

“Niagara has been a crucial City partnership since they joined the ‘Show Me’ City commercial family as the first business in our award-winning Lakeview Business Park. Our relief efforts have just begun, and the outpouring of support from both our commercial partnership such as Niagara and our residents continues to make me proud of this community,” Mayor Owen said.

“This donation from Niagara shows the thousands of Missouri City residents who are still being affected by Harvey and the Brazos River flooding that their community is committed to their full recovery,” City Manager Anthony Snipes said. “I continue to be proud of the efforts of our Emergency Operations Team and the never-ending show of support from partners like Niagara.”

Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Ontario, CA, Niagara operates bottling facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. As a leading manufacturer of private brand bottled water in the U.S., Niagara Bottling works closely with some of the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages including bottled water, sparkling water, tea, sports drinks and vitamin enhanced waters.  For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.

Niagara Cares, a philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, is committed to supporting local and national community initiatives serving children and families in need by engaging stakeholders and investing its resources. Niagara Cares efforts include national strategic partnerships, local community grants, employee engagement, volunteerism and the Andrew D. Peykoff, Sr. Scholarship Program. For more information,
visit www.niagarawater.com/niagara-cares.

To receive news and alerts on flood safety, road closures and other emergency management issues, visit www.MissouriCityReady.com, the City’s official emergency management website; follow us @MissouriCityEM and @MissouriCityTX on Twitter, follow us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX, visit www.missouricitytx.gov, tune into 1690 AM, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).