Township requests tree removal on Beaver County land to install storm drainage along Ferrisville Road

Township officials asked Beaver County staff on April 23 to allow cutting back a hillside on county-owned land adjacent to Brush Creek Park so they can install catch basins and piping to address ongoing washouts along Ferrisville Road.

The request was described at a Beaver County commissioners work session by a county staff member, Dan (staff member), who said he met with township representatives, the township road foreman and township supervisor Paul Blauch. "I see absolutely no problem with what they wanna do," Dan said, describing a plan to slide the slope back, remove some trees and regrade to about a 30% slope while installing storm infrastructure.

The matter drew technical questions at the work session. A commissioner asked whether the proposed work would create a new discharge. A township representative said the outlet would go to the existing stream, not represent a new conveyance. County staff and other participants flagged potential external approvals: the regional Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff attended an earlier site meeting, and speakers recommended checking with the DEP and the conservation district, citing possible Chapter 105 permit considerations. One participant said, "If you're adding more volume to the discharge, it can be an issue," and suggested township engineers should be involved.

Speakers also discussed ownership and future liability. County staff noted part of the area where trees would be removed is county property and part is township road right-of-way. Commissioners expressed concern that cutting the county hillside could later lead to washouts affecting the township road; one commissioner said the road would be the township's responsibility if it washes out because it is their road. To document intent and avoid confusion about responsibility, a commissioner proposed sending the township a written authorization: "We can we can maybe send an email or a letter just letting them know that we give them authorization to go ahead and do it," the commissioner said.

No formal approval was recorded at the work session. County staff advised confirming whether the township's engineering drawings and any added discharge volume would trigger DEP or conservation-district permitting or Chapter 105 review before on-the-ground work proceeds. The county indicated it would not give final approval until those checks are completed and suggested an authorization letter could be used to clarify who is responsible for the work and any later issues.

Next steps noted at the meeting included advising the township to consult its engineer and the DEP or conservation district and documenting any county authorization in writing. There was no formal vote or binding directive taken during the work session.