That is a water shut off. There should be a metal cover over it. It looks like they had to make a repair some time in the past, and never put a riser piece on to bring it up to the level of the asphalt.

So, they could not pave it because that would have buried it. Now, it is clogged with dirt and debris.

If this is you, or one of your neighbors, I would recommend using a garden hose with a sprayer and see if you can get the mud out of there. You will need a pump of some sort to get the muddy water out as you make your way down.

The pipe should go about 5 feet into the ground, sometimes as far as 10 feet down, so be patient.

Once you get it all cleaned out, go to DPW and get a cover for it. Also getting a bag of small gravel to put over it once you have a cover on would not be a bad idea.

I know it is a lot of work. In these times of financial cuts, you have to take matters into your own hands.

Good Luck