DECEASED ANIMALS

The Union Township Service Department is responsible for the removal of dead animals that are along any township-maintained road. Depending on the level of decomposition and size of the dead animal, the Service Department may remove the animal or treat the animal with a substance that will accelerate the rate of decomposition and reduce the odor.

To report any dead animal, please click here or call the Service Department at 513-753-2221.

For dead animal pickup on county roads you will need to call the Clermont County Engineer's office at 513-732-8857, and on state routes, you will need to call Ohio Department of Transportation at 513-797-6008.

POTHOLES

Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezing, expanding, and then thawing. This weakens the pavement. Traffic loosens the pavement even more, and it eventually crumbles and pops out.

Spring temperatures warm the cold pavement, melting and evaporating any frozen water. This creates air pockets that can eventually cause the pavement to break up. A winter of heavy snow or rain and severe freeze/thaw cycles can mean a big pothole season is ahead.

The Union Township Service Department will fix potholes on any Union Township roads. To report a pothole, please click here or call the Service Department at 513-753-2221.

RIGHT OF WAY

What is the public right-of-way? The public right-of-way is the land reserved for, used or to be used for, a street, alley, walkway or for other public purposes. Several items may occupy space within the public right-of-way, such as sidewalks, street lights, traffic signals, fire hydrants and storm sewers. Public utilities such as gas and electric lines, telephone and cable TV lines may also be within the right-of-way.

The Service Department maintains the township right-of-way for road mowing and tree trimming, dead animal removal, storm sewers, street signs and issuance of excavation in the right-of-way permits.

Union Township requires that a permit be obtained prior to the start of any excavation within the township's right-of-way. The only exception would be in the case of an emergency requiring immediate action to protect the public health, safety and welfare, in which case a permit must be obtained at the earliest possible opportunity. This includes driveway aprons, curb, gutter, storm drainage, sewer tie-ins, water main tie-ins, street construction and/or repairs, and road cuts made by people other than Union Township personnel.

Right-of-way permit applications (PDF) can be downloaded, or picked up at the Service Department office located at 4312 Glen Este-Withamsville Road.

SNOW REMOVAL

When the snow falls the Union Township Service Department rolls out. It is a part of our duty to the township to keep the roads as safe as possible. We can achieve this with the help of our citizens. Please heed the snow advisories and other warnings issued by the township, county, or state agencies. If you believe your mailbox was struck by our snow plow truck, please click here or call the Service Department at 513-753-2221. 

Below are a few tips to help you survive a snow emergency:

• Prepare your car for winter. Check your car's antifreeze, oil, battery, defroster, heater, wipers, washer fluid, and level;
• Inspect the tires to be sure there is adequate tread; check air pressure to ensure proper inflation. Use radials or chains during snow emergencies.
• Take time to remove all ice and snow from your car, concentrating on the windows, wipers, mirrors and lights. To reduce the chance of snow flying off your vehicle while driving, remove snow and ice from the front grill, hood, and roof. Good visibility is essential for a safe journey. You need to see and be seen by others.
• Be sure to buckle up and require your passengers to do the same.
• When a snow emergency is declared, make every effort to avoid driving or allow extra time to get where you are going. Keep in mind that when roadways are icy or snow covered, you should never expect to drive as you would during clear weather or on dry road surfaces.
• Should your car begin to skid, remember not to panic or slam on your brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal and immediately steer in the direction of the skid.
• Increase following distance between your vehicle and others on the road, especially snowplows. Packed snow and ice may create a smooth, glass-like surface beneath your tires, making it difficult to control your vehicle.
• Remember bridges and ramps freeze first and may be especially difficult to navigate.
• Never pass a snowplow or salt truck, especially a plow train! Plow trains are groups of trucks that form a line across the lanes to clear snow. Operators may not see you or your car may get caught on a snow-covered plow edge. In addition, driving will be much easier if you stay at least 25 feet, or three car lengths, behind the snow emergency vehicle.
• Do not abandon your vehicle. The safest place to wait for help is in your car. If your car breaks down, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible and lift the hood. Try to leave a distress signal, such as a scarf, hanging from the window. Please remember, when you abandon your vehicle, it may be subject to towing, ticketing and a fine.
• Remember, when shoveling snow from your driveway; create a pile away from the roadway. A good rule is to shovel to the right when facing the street. However, keep in mind that the important thing is not to shovel the snow onto an area that will simply be plowed back onto the driveway when the state, county or township snowplows come through.

STORM SEWERS

The Union Township Service Department is responsible for storm sewers (open ditches, culverts, catch basins, pipes, and curb inlets) located within the public right-of-way. Township personnel inspect, clean, repair or replace these components as necessary to keep the steady flow of stormwater. The property owner is responsible for storm sewer pipes, catch basins, and ditches located on private property outside the public right-of-way. Right-of-way is normally 25 feet from the center of a roadway.

Preventive maintenance is the best maintenance for storm sewers and ditches. This can only be achieved with the help of township residents. Only stormwater (which is the precipitation from rain or melting of snow and ice) should go into the storm sewers and ditches. Leaves, sticks, or other yard waste should not be allowed to collect in ditches or in any area that would allow these items to be washed into the storm sewers and catch basins, as they are likely to seriously reduce water flow through the system. Once a storm system is clogged, the resulting backup of water can create hazards for motorists and damage to homes.

If you would like to request an inspection for a possible blocked or clogged storm sewer, please contact the Service Department at 513-753-2221.

TRAFFIC SIGNS/DEVICES

To report a Stop Sign down or missing - immediately contact the Service Department at 513-753-2221.

In Union Township, the signs and placement of signs are designed according to the Ohio Manual of Uniformed Traffic Control Devices.

Since 2004, installation and maintenance of the township's signs have been recorded in a database. The database is a critical management tool, as it allows the township to determine when a sign is nearing its life expectancy, and how many times a sign has been replaced or repaired. Most signs will last from five to seven years depending on the amount of direct sunlight.

All traffic signals located in Union Township are maintained by the Clermont County Engineers Office. To report problems with a traffic signal, please contact the Clermont County Engineer's Office at 513-732-8857.

To report missing or damaged signs, please call the Service Department at 513-753-2221.

TREE & BRUSH VOUCHER PROGRAM

The Union Township Trustees sponsor a "Tree and Brush Voucher" program. This program allows any township resident to drop off unwanted tree and brush debris at Bzak Landscaping free of charge. Any township resident can receive as many Tree and Brush vouchers as they need at no cost. Please click here for a vouchers or you can pick up one at The Union Township Civic Center located at 4350 Aicholtz Road or at The Union Township Service Department, located at 4312 Glen Este-Withamsville Road (Behind the Police Department)