Crests have come and gone for most communities along the Mouse River, but sandbagging efforts and dike work has left quite a mess in some areas.

The city of Burlington was at the forefront of the recent flood battle and although city officials are thankful for all the help they've received, they say the cleanup process has only just begun.

Dan Erdmann has more.

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) The water may be receding, but there's still a flood of work to be done here in Burlington.

(Jerome Gruenberg, Burlington Mayor) "The cleanup of course is gonna be massive. We've got sandbags all over town, down through some of the backyards and down some of the streets."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Not to mention hundreds of feet of these fold-out Hesco barriers placed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Gruenberg says it will be the city's responsibility to empty the barriers and return them to the Corps. Although some residents have already begun cleanup on their property, most are awaiting a decision.

(Jerome Gruenberg, Burlington Mayor) "We haven't started a lot of major stuff in Burlington yet, we're kind of waiting to see what FEMA comes up with. As I understand it, FEMA will be doing personal, you know, they'll be helping individual people, as well as the political sub-divisions, so I would expect that as soon as we hear something we will begin a major cleanup."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Individual residents will be responsible for disposing of sandbags on their property, but the city will be setting up locations to bring those unwanted bags. Gruenberg says it's unfortunate it has to work that way, but right now, it's their only option.

(Jerome Gruenberg, Burlington Mayor) "There have been a few who are wondering if the city's gonna come and clean it up and we won't be doing that, it's going to be up to the individual. But, there's where FEMA comes in. FEMA will repay the individuals."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Residents don't have to wait for FEMA to begin cleanup, but it is important to document any damage to your property. As far as damage within Burlington, Gruenberg says there really wasn't much, just a mess that needs cleaning up. He says things should return to normal soon enough, but in the meantime, it's important to be patient.

(Jerome Gruenberg, Burlington Mayor) "I hope they get help very soon, especially in the projects. I hope FEMA steps up and really does something good for those people."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) And hopefully that help is right around the bend. In Burlington, Dan Erdmann, KX News.

If you have any flood damage you'd like to report, you can call 1-800-621-3362 or you can go online to disasterassistance.gov. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list