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Franklin County Engineer

As a local public works agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Engineer's Office is responsible for the maintenance and construction of 271 miles of county roadway and 351 county bridges, as well as upkeep of all county ditches, drains, retention basins, and other storm water facilities within the right-of-way of county roads in unincorporated areas. To meet the continuing development and infrastructure needs of Franklin County, the Engineer's Office utilizes the latest technologies for determining and maintaining roadway centerlines and boundaries; retracing and setting new monuments for original public land surveys; preparing geographic information system mapping for real estate tax assessments; and establishing precise countywide horizontal and vertical control to maintain uniformity in construction, surveying, and mapping.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
This Engineers Week, we proudly recognize the dedicated engineers of the Franklin County Engineer’s Office. Their expertise, innovation, and commitment are essential in designing, maintaining, and improving the roads, bridges, and infrastructure that keep our community safe and connected. From design and construction to problem-solving and sustainability, their work ensures the reliability and efficiency of our transportation network. We are grateful for their hard work and service to the Franklin County community. Thank you for all you do! #EWeek
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Our offices are closed today in recognition of Presidents’ Day. We will reopen Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7:00 a.m.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has canceled the Level 1 Snow Emergency for Franklin County. Thank you to #TeamFCEO Snowfighters who have been hard at work to ensure our roads are clear and safe. Please continue to stay alert and use caution when driving.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has declared a LEVEL ONE Snow Emergency. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Celebrate Engineers Week with #TeamFCEO! The 2025 Engineers Week theme, “Design Your Future,” highlights the limitless possibilities in engineering. From building strong infrastructure to driving innovation, engineers shape our communities every day. Join us in recognizing their impact and inspiring the next generation! #EngineersWeek #DesignYourFuture
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Congratulations to Brent Welch on reaching his 15-year milestone anniversary with the Franklin County Engineer’s Office! Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment have been instrumental in supporting our mission and serving the Franklin County community. Thank you for your service and for being an integral part of #TeamFCEO!
Franklin County Engineer's Office
970 DUBLIN ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(614) 525-3030
fracoeng@franklincountyengineer.org

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Drainage Engineer

Drainage Engineer, Adam W. Fowler, P.E., P.S. 

In addition to transportation, surveying, and land record keeping duties, the Franklin County Engineer has been designated by the Board of County Commissioners to serve as the “Drainage Engineer.”
In this capacity, the engineer’s office works to control flooding, prevent erosion, and promote better water quality in unincorporated areas through the repair and improvement of county and joint county ditches, drains, retention basins and other watercourses within the public right-of-way along county routes.

The County Drainage Engineer is not responsible for stormwater management on private property, but drainage assistance in unincorporated areas can be requested through the county’s ditch petition process, or for new subdivisions, through the subdivision platting process. The cost of these improvements are then assessed to the property owners in the petitioned areas. Currently, the county’s petition ditch inventory includes 94 miles of open ditches, and 147 miles of closed (tiled) ditches.

We work closely with the Franklin County Board of Health, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and other government agencies and environmental groups to resolve drainage issues and to develop regional storm water management plans.

Stormwater Drainage Manual

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Franklin County and Township Stormwater Management Program 2022-2026

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Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan

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Other Drainage Resources

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Franklin County’s NPDES Storm Water Permit

In 2003, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) issued a Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Permit to the Franklin County Commissioners. OEPA issued the third-generation permit in September 2014 and it extends through 2019. The permit covers the urbanized unincorporated areas (townships) in the county. The purpose of the permit is to remove pollution from storm drains in developed areas that could contaminate our streams and lakes.Examples of storm water pollution include:

  • Motor oil that someone dumps into a catch basin
  • Gasoline washing off of a parking lot
  • Lawn chemicals that wash off of someone’s property
  • Home sewage systems that connect to a storm drain or field tile

The Franklin County Drainage Engineer is partnering with Franklin County Public Health (FCPH), Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD), the Franklin County Commissioners and 17 Townships to meet the requirements of Franklin County’s NPDES Storm Water Permit. If you see any type of these violations, please use the button above to fill out a survey form so an inspection can occur or click here.

Stormwater Pollution

Here are some important home and garden tips from the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District that we hope you will consider to protect our water resources:

 

Yard

Keep your trash can area clean. Litter can blow into a nearby waterway and pollute our creeks.

Keep your lawn and yard clippings away from gutters and storm drains. Clippings that end up in creeks decompose in the water and rob the aquatic life of oxygen.

Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides in your garden. If you must use them, choose less-toxic alternatives. Apply in dry weather and water sparingly after use in order to keep fertilizers and pesticides in the garden.

Dispose of animal waste properly, flush it down the toilet or throw it in the trash can.

 

Parking Area & Garage

Keep your yard, household, and automotive chemicals stored in a cool, dry place without leaks. Household toxic waste must be recycled or properly disposed of to prevent pollution.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean parking areas. After using kitty litter or other absorbent material to soak up auto leaks on concrete, sweep and dispose of it properly.

Recycle used oil, antifreeze, oil filters and other household toxins. For household hazardous waste collection drive dates visit www.swaco.org.

When possible, use a commercial car wash. These businesses recycle the water and have ways to clean the runoff.

Consider using little or no soap (even biodegradable soaps don’t break down soon enough to avoid killing organisms in the creeks). Try to wash on gravel or grass.

Dispose of extra soapy water in a sink or toilet. 

 

Home Improvement Projects

On Concrete: Sweep up concrete, aggregate and other dust and waste materials for disposal in the garbage. Do not rinse down the gutter or driveway. Concrete mixes have chemicals that will poison creek life.

On Paint: Rinse any latex paint contaminated brushes and rollers in the sink, not out of doors (send it to the sanitary treatment plant and not the creek). Take paint thinner, solvents, and other chemicals to a household toxics disposal facility.

On barbecues: Avoid cleaning grills onto paved areas that can be rinsed into gutters and creeks. Burnt food buildup on the grill is poisonous to animals in the creek, even in low concentrations.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to protect our environment. For more information, please contact the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District at www.franklinswcd.org.