Crews in Mount Pleasant pick up leaves that could clog drains, cause flooding

They once painted the landscape with hues of yellow and red, but the leaves have become a nuisance for many. Mount Pleasant's Highway Department sent multiple crews out to clear them from drains.

Highway Superintendent Richard Benkwitt says the season started later than expected.

"The fall leaves have not come off the trees as early as we liked, so it's going to be a challenge this year," he says.

It's a challenge because winter is just around the corner - and a freeze or snow would halt pickup since the trucks are the same ones the town uses to tackle snow.

"In the winter season, we have to quickly change this leaf picking-up equipment to snow-fighting equipment," says Benkwitt.

There is no snow in the forecast yet, but rain is on the way - and Benkwitt says leaves contribute to flooding.

"Our biggest concern is that the leaves and the debris, especially in a rainfall, it will run down the roadway into a gutter," he says.

The work will continue as long as the weather permits.

Leaves collected in Mount Pleasant are composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil that is given back to the residents.

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