Maumee is working with state officials to fix an ongoing sewer issue, as the city has been accused of dumping sewage into the river for decades.
MAUMEE, Ohio — Maumee city leaders say they are on the verge of securing state approval to use public funds for sewer repairs on private property, a move they call a critical step in fixing the city’s long-troubled system.
City council unanimously approved Ordinance 020-2025 on Aug. 11, authorizing a consent decree with Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency and Attorney General’s Office. The decree, once finalized, would allow the city to use public money to cover repairs such as sewer lateral replacements, sump pump corrections and the removal of illegal clean water connections from private homes.
The agreement comes after years of negotiations with state agencies, according to Law Director Alan Lehenbauer. He said the deal requires Maumee to follow the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study program and provides clear timelines for eliminating discharges into the Maumee River.
“If they have a connection to the sanitary sewer system with clean water that’s considered an illegal connection already,” Lehenbauer said. “We consider that a nuisance.”
The EPA still must approve the consent decree, which will then undergo a 30-day public comment period before a judge signs off. Until then, the city cannot begin issuing grants or payments for private repairs.
As part of the plan, council also voted to reimburse homeowners who previously paid city fees for sewer work and to waive fees for future repairs. Officials say the full overhaul of the city’s sewer system will cost about $125 million.
Past efforts to shift the cost to homeowners, including a controversial inspection ordinance last year, were rolled back after backlash. Under the new plan, the city says repairs will be funded through existing sewer rates, not new fees.
Residents at the meeting expressed optimism.
“I’m just very happy that the city came together and came out with a plan that is going to work for our citizens,” resident John Sayre said.
This article was published by Steve Iwanek on 2025-09-03 00:09:00
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