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1. Questions About Trimming Near Power Lines

Why does the Utility Company trim trees near power lines?

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) requires Utility Companies to inspect and clear their power lines on a regular basis.  This is critical to maintain reliable and safe electric power.

How much will be trimmed or cut?

Standards require 10 feet of line clearance.  However, that is a minimum standard and does not mean that only 10 feet of material will be trimmed.  Trimming is species-specific, taking into account the growth rate of trees and the length of time before trimmers will return to the same area.  Typically, limbs and branches will be trimmed to allow at least 12-14 feet of clearance on all sides of power lines.  Trees within transmission line easements (large towers) will be totally removed.

Who does the trimming? What standards do they follow?

The Utility Company usually hires private contractors to conduct routine tree trimming which follow standards developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the plan approved by the PUCO.

How will I know where tree trimming is scheduled to take place?

The tree trimming contractor will generally provide a flyer or attach a door hanger notifying the affected property of the upcoming trimming.

Are tree trimmers allowed to enter my property?

Power lines on private property are usually located in utility easement areas, which give Utility Companies or their contractors the right to enter and maintain those lines.  

What happens to the cut material?

Trees are considered a homeowner’s property.  Small debris may be chipped and removed by the contractor as part of jobsite cleanup, but larger limbs and branches are typically cut, stacked, and left on site for the property owner to use or dispose.  Disposal can be done through the city’s Brush and Limb Pickup Program.

Where can I get more information regarding Duke Energy’s Utility Trimming Program?

Duke Energy has a website dedicated to explain their Integrated Vegetation Management Program, it can be found by following the link below.

            https://www.duke-energy.com/community/trees-and-rights-of-way/how-we-manage-trees

 

Who can I contact if I have questions about trimming that will be done on my property?

If you have questions about work at your property, always contact the Utilities’ contractor first.  They should be willing to meet you at your property to discuss the work.  If that does not resolve your concerns, you should contact Duke Energy (800-554-6900) or Butler Rural Electric (513-867-4400).

2. Who do I contact to report a street light outage?

Duke Energy maintains most of the City's streetlights.  Streetlight repair can be requested by calling 1-800-544-6900 or by using their helpful online tool.  Information such as pole number and location will be helpful to them in identifying the light needing repair.

Roughly 80 street lights in the City are maintained by Butler Rural Electric.  If one of their streetlights is out, call 513-867-4400.

3. Who is responsible for the street tree in front of my house?

Trees located in the curb lawn area are the responsibility of the property owner, according to Fairfield Codified Ordinance 901.05(b).

4. Who do I talk to about getting my garbage picked up?

The city contracts with Rumpke.  Contact them with any questions at 1-800-582-3107.  Additional information can be found here.

5. How do I dispose of large appliances?

Appliances should be placed at the curbside on your regular trash day.  If disposing of an appliance containing refrigerant (such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, or freezer), the refrigerant must be removed by an appliance contractor prior to placing it at the curb for pickup.  For more information, contact Rumpke at 513-742-2900.

6. Where can I report a leaking water main or fire hydrant?

To report a leaking or otherwise defective fire hydrant, please contact the City of Fairfield Public Utilities Water Division at 513-858-7775.

7. Where do I report a dead animal in the road?

Contact Police for dead animal removal.  The number for non-emergency police dispatch is 829-8201.

8. Where can I find traffic count information?

Average Annual Daily Traffic data is collected and published by the Ohio Department of Transportation.  It is available on their Transportation Information Mapping System.

9. Can I install an irrigation system within the right of way?

We generally discourage this because we can’t guarantee it won’t be damaged by a construction project by the City or a utility company.  Any damage to private irrigation systems within the right of way will be the property owners’ responsibility to repair.  For any work being done in the right of way, the City recommends the property owner get a no-fee permit.

10. Can I request the City install a WATCH CHILDREN, CHILD WITH AUTISM, DEAF CHILD, HIDDEN DRIVE, etc. sign for my neighborhood or my property?

These types of signs are not listed in the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) which is the manual that covers the design and placement of street signs. The City continues to restrict or limit signs that are not specifically listed in the OMUTCD. Research has indicated that these types of signs do not have any significant impact on traffic safety. Supporting guidance from the Ohio Department of Transportation is available here.

11. What can I do to reduce the bump getting into my driveway?

The City does not allow residents to place asphalt, concrete, lumber, metal, etc. in the curb line to ease the bump getting into their driveways.  The only acceptable temporary solution would be a product manufactured specifically for this application (the only product the City is aware of is Bridjit, although others may exist and be perfectly appropriate).  These products may recommend bolting to the concrete; the City would not allow this.

Ultimately, the best, most permanent, solution is to hire a contractor to depress the curb and drive apron.

12. A train stopped and is blocking a railroad crossing. How do I report this?

Railroads operate within their own right-of-way.  Sometimes this means that public streets may be blocked by stopped trains.  The City is unable to directly address stopped trains.  However, motorists are encouraged to call the number posted on a blue sign at the railroad crossing gate to report a problem.  The crossing identification number is posted on the sign.  

Additionally, people are encouraged to use this online reporting tool.  The data gathered helps federal authorities track issues, but not clear the track in a timely fashion.

13. How do I request a Temporary Speed Indicator Sign?

Public Works temporarily places radar speed signs at locations around Fairfield at the request of residents.  These signs advise motorists of their speed to promote safe driving.  Residents can request a sign by calling 867-4200 or using the Report a Concern link on the City homepage. 

14. Should I call 811 to have utilities marked before I dig in my yard?

Yes, it protects both people and infrastructure and there is no cost to the homeowner to call and have utilities marked.  See the following link:

Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS)

15. What do the paint markings and/or lines of little flags on the ground mean?

When someone calls the Ohio Utility Protection Service because they will be digging in the area, utility providers will come out and paint or flag their utilities to let the person who will be digging know where their utilities are located.

Different colors indicate the presence of various utilities:

Red:  Electric
Yellow: Gas
Orange: Communication (Internet/Phone/Cable)
Blue: Potable Water
Green: Sewers

See this link for more information.