Township Administrator’s corner

Residents throughout Bath Township may notice utility crews working along county roadways and in residential neighborhoods to install or upgrade services such as fiber optic internet, electric, natural gas and telecommunications infrastructure. While these projects can create temporary inconveniences, they are designed to maintain and improve the infrastructure that serves our community.

Recent events have understandably raised concerns about utility construction. Bath Township is closely monitoring the investigation into the recent incident in Twinsburg Township, where directional boring crews struck a natural gas line, resulting in an explosion that caused extensive damage to multiple homes in a residential neighborhood.

The safety of our residents is always Bath Township’s highest priority. Township officials have contacted emergency responders directly involved in the Twinsburg incident to better understand what occurred, identify lessons learned and explore opportunities to strengthen safety practices and emergency response planning.

While the investigation remains ongoing, Bath Township is committed to applying any recommendations that may improve the safety of residents and first responders. Bath Township has also issued correspondence to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio requesting that agency evaluate safety practices throughout the state on directional boring and provide guidance to local communities to ensure these activities can be performed safely.

As utility work continues throughout the township, many residents have questions about why utility companies are permitted to work within neighborhoods and what authority the township has to regulate these activities.

Utility companies operate under a combination of Ohio law, recorded utility easements and rights granted within the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way is generally the strip of land adjacent to township and county roads reserved for public infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems and underground or overhead utility facilities. Utility providers have the legal authority to install, maintain, repair and replace infrastructure within these areas.

Many residential properties also contain utility easements that were established when neighborhoods were developed. These easements are recorded with property deeds and grant utility companies the legal right to access designated portions of private property for the construction, maintenance or repair of essential utility services. Although homeowners own the property, these easements provide utility companies with specific legal access rights.

Because utilities provide essential public services, Bath Township can’t prohibit utility companies from performing work that is legally authorized within public rights-of-way or recorded easements. As a township under Ohio law, Bath has limited authority to regulate utility construction beyond enforcing applicable permits for township infrastructure and ensuring compliance with restoration requirements.

Portions of homeowners’ property, particularly the area near the roadway, may be located within a public right-of-way or utility easement. Utility construction may temporarily impact lawns, landscaping, sidewalks, driveways or other improvements located within these areas. Utility companies often provide advance notice before planned construction begins, although emergency repairs may occur without prior notification when necessary to restore service or address a hazardous condition.

Residents can take several steps to better prepare for utility work. Reviewing a property survey or deed can help identify the location of utility easements. Before construction begins, homeowners are encouraged to photograph their yard, landscaping, sidewalks and driveways to document existing conditions.

If crews are working nearby, residents should feel comfortable asking which company they represent, the purpose of the project, the anticipated schedule and what restoration work will be completed. If it is unclear which utility company is performing the work, the Bath Township service department may be able to assist in identifying the responsible provider.

Following construction, utility companies are responsible for restoring disturbed areas. Depending on the project, restoration may include grading, seeding, replacing sidewalks, repairing pavement or restoring other affected areas. Residents who believe restoration is incomplete or who observe damage outside an authorized work area should promptly contact the utility company and maintain documentation of their communications.

Although Bath Township cannot prevent legally authorized utility work, the township continues to play an active role in protecting public infrastructure and advocating for residents. The township reviews permits for work within township rights-of-way, requires bonds for certain construction activities to help ensure proper restoration of township property, inspects completed work when appropriate, communicates with utility providers regarding resident concerns, and shares project information whenever possible.

The recent incident in Twinsburg Township serves as an important reminder that safety must remain the highest priority whenever utility construction is performed. Bath Township will continue working with utility companies, emergency responders, regulatory agencies and neighboring communities to promote safe construction practices, improve emergency preparedness and ensure accountability throughout every phase of these projects.

Investments in broadband, electric, natural gas and other utility infrastructure will continue to benefit Bath Township for years to come. By remaining informed, communicating with utility providers and working together, residents and the township can help ensure these important improvements are completed safely, responsibly and with minimal disruption to the community.

Residents with questions about utility work occurring in their neighborhood are encouraged to contact the Bath Township service department at 330-665-5066. Township staff are available to answer questions, provide project information or assist residents in identifying the appropriate utility company.