(Repost from 2017: The below message contains important information about maintaining a clear easement for your sewer grinder)

Access Within Utility Easements

The Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District provides sanitary sewer service within the Choctaw Lake area.  To ensure reliable service it is important to maintain unobstructed access to District equipment, including grinder pump basins and related components.

Access to all District equipment was mandated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency thru utility easements.  Utility easements are defined areas intended to be preserved for the use of the utility even though they cross the owner’s property.  These easements are to be properly maintained and remain unobstructed.  Generally, the utility easement is 5 feet along each side of the property line.  However, it is recommended that each property owner become familiar with the recorded easements on their lot.

Over time some property owners have placed obstructions within the easement including fences, large shrubs, structures, and landscaping.  Obstructions within the easement can make accessing equipment for maintenance more difficult, unsafe or even impossible.  Limited access can create delays and increase cost to perform normal maintenance tasks. While the District has the right to remove obstructions within the easement, it is the preference of the District and the Sanitary Sewer Board to encourage property owners to ensure utility easements are free of all obstructions.

Many parcels have changed hands over the years, and current property owners may not be aware of the utility easements on their property.  Property owners should review the location of the grinder pump basin and related components on their property.  The District needs a minimum of a 5 feet wide, unobstructed path from the road to the grinder to get the 4-wheel service vehicle through.  Additionally, a 2.5-foot radius working area is needed around the grinder.  The District is requesting that each property owner voluntarily remove fences, structures, landscaping or any other obstructions within this 5-foot-wide path or near the grinder.

To assist the residents of Choctaw Lake the District will inspect the service area and attempt to identify easement obstructions.  As these obstructions are identified, the property owner will be notified and be provided adequate time to remove the obstruction(s).  Should the District need immediate access to the easement that is obstructed, the District will request immediate removal of the obstruction(s) or the District will remove the obstruction(s).  In cases where the District must remove obstructions to complete repairs, any restoration will be the sole responsibility of the property owner.

Madison County Sanitary Sewer and Water District looks forward to our continued partnership to provide reliable sanitary sewer service to Choctaw Lake.  Having unobstructed access to the grinder pump and related equipment is a major step forward in providing this service.  We appreciate your cooperation to voluntarily remove obstructions, and eliminate possible safety hazards for District Personnel.  If you have any questions, please contact the District at 740-845-1284 and press 3 or sewerdistrict1@co.madison.oh.us.

July 2017

The original document may be seen 2017-07-05 Utility Easement Letter Rev.