BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville will begin clearing storm debris from the North Fork Reservoir area in the coming weeks, officials announced.

The work, which will take place in waterways and along roads within the watershed, is intended to protect the city’s drinking water system and reduce wildfire risks in the sensitive watershed areas.

City officials emphasized the project is not related to safety concerns with the dam.

Contractors are expected to work seven days a week during daylight hours. Residents can expect increased truck traffic on roads leading to and from the reservoir.

Debris will be chipped on-site before being transported to a disposal facility. Only storm-related vegetative material will be processed — not trash, construction debris or hazardous waste.

The city said operations will be monitored to ensure safety and environmental protection.

More information is available on the city’s project page.