News Release
August 23, 2021
City of Union extends public access based on Ohio EPA research
The City of Union and the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District (TID) today announced that a project to extend a public waterline to the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm is underway. The East Martindale Road and Frederick Pike Watermain Extension Project includes the extension of a 12” watermain from East Martindale Road to Frederick Pike, along Frederick Pike and under US 40 to Aullwood.
“Ensuring local residents and businesses have access to clean and safe drinking water is one of the highest priorities a local municipality holds,” said John Applegate, city manager of the City of Union. “In response to a request from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are extending public access through our water system to Aullwood and will allow residents who wish to tie into the public water system to have the ability to do so,” he said.
Water sampling conducted by the Ohio EPA indicated the presence of elevated levels of PFAS, a water contaminant that can come from various sources.
“This project is a testament to the power of cooperation,” said Alexis Faust, executive director of Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. “Aullwood is incredibly grateful to the City of Union and all of the project partners for working collaboratively to provide us with clean drinking water,” she continued.
The waterline extension project is being managed by the Montgomery County TID, which works across geographic and political lines to improve safety, increase mobility and build connectivity in local communities, while stimulating economic development and enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.
As work on the new waterline continues, there will be occasional impacts to traffic.
Currently, East Martindale Road is closed to through traffic from Frederick Pike to the Stillwater River. Access for local residents is being maintained. A detour route using Main Street (SR 48), National Road (US 40) and Frederick Pike has been put into place and is marked with signage. The detour is expected to remain in place through Sept. 15, 2021, weather permitting. Additional information regarding ongoing closures and traffic patterns within the project area will be posted on MCTID.org.
“The closing of Martindale Road is necessary to construct this vitally important water line, and we urge the traveling public to have patience and be cautious in using the detour route,” said Paul Gruner, Montgomery County engineer.
Project completion is expected by Nov. 30, 2021, weather permitting. The City of Union, Montgomery County and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency are partners in the $3 million project.
ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
The Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District is a strategic and trusted partner facilitating regional partnerships to improve public roadways and support job creation. The TID is engaged with projects at the request of other Montgomery County governments to improve safety, increase mobility and build connectivity in local communities, while stimulating economic development and enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.