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Residents press commissioners on roadside dumping near bypass; county engineer says site used for state spoils
Summary
Residents raised complaints about ongoing dumping of dirt and construction debris at a bypass area near State Route 80 and 62. County engineer's office said the location is being used for state spoils and committed to periodic grading; trustees urged continued pressure on the state to clean and level the site.
Multiple residents and township trustees urged Trumbull County commissioners at the Aug. 6 meeting to press the state and county engineer to address recurring dumping and debris at a bypass area near the Route 80/62 interchange.
Nancy Ritz and Warren and Hubbard Township trustees described fresh deposits of dirt and concrete and reported encountering deer carcasses at the site during recent months. Gary Shaffer (engineer's office) told the board he had been in contact with the Ohio Department of Transportation district deputy director and that the district uses the site for spoils associated with ditching and excavation projects but committed to periodic grading and leveling.
Why this matters: Residents said the site is an eyesore at a township gateway, creates a perceived dumping ground that invites more illegal dumping, and in places exposes nearby walkers and motorists to debris. Trustees asked the county to escalate communications with the state and consider a formal letter if needed.
What county staff said: Gary Shaffer (engineer's office) said the state must use locations for spoils when limited disposal options exist, and that doing so minimizes private-property liability concerns. He said construction debris should not include large non-soil items and that a dozer was scheduled to grade the area; the district would continue to use the site for spoils and would periodically level it.
Trustees asked for follow-up: Township trustees asked the commissioners to continue pursuing cleanup and requested that county officials confirm whether vehicle access points should be closed or signed to deter dumping. Several speakers suggested posting "No Dumping" signage and urged the county to coordinate with the state to reduce the frequency and visibility of material left at the site.
Next steps: Commissioners said county staff and the engineer's office had already engaged the district and would continue to raise the issue with state officials. Residents encouraged a formal written request to state authorities if informal contacts do not lead to sustained cleanup.
