Summary
Residents complained of smells over Labor Day weekend; the Sanitary Engineer is analyzing data, and officials note campfire-type smells likely aren't from the sewers — but residents should still call in concerns.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
Ongoing costs for chemical additive and monitoring equipment.
Mentor residents who report odors and get serious investigations.
Residents near suspected odor sources continue to experience nuisance smells.
Mentions & discussions (10)
Board of Commissioners — September 10, 2026
Residents complained of smells over Labor Day weekend; the Utilities Department is monitoring manholes and adjusting water treatment formulas. Commissioners noted some complaints were likely campfire smells, not sewers, but urged residents to keep reporting problems.
Board of Commissioners (Work) — September 10, 2026
Residents complained of smells over Labor Day weekend; the Sanitary Engineer is analyzing data, and officials note campfire-type smells likely aren't from the sewers — but residents should still call in concerns.
Board of Commissioners — September 3, 2026
Residents near the Mentor sewer facility have complained about odors. After six to eight months of fine-tuning chemical feeds at two locations — with air monitors in three manholes — complaints are reportedly improving, and residents were mailed a hotline number.
Board of Commissioners — May 21, 2026
Utilities officials explained that sewer odors come from hydrogen sulfide and methane in wastewater, and that some odor may stem from private plumbing vent stacks rather than the county sewer system. The county is adding a binding chemical and testing manholes multiple times daily.
Board of Commissioners — May 14, 2026
Residents keep complaining about sewer odors in Mentor. Utilities staff are monitoring hydrogen sulfide and adding deodorizing chemical, but say seasonal things like yard mulching may also explain smells — and they're asking residents to help pinpoint where the odor comes from.
Board of Commissioners — April 28, 2026
The sewer engineer is monitoring persistent odors in Mentor and studying flooding in Painesville Township and Fairport Harbor; results are coming soon.
Board of Commissioners (Work) — April 28, 2026
Plecnik asked for updates on odor complaints in Mentor, flooding in Painesville Township and Fairport Harbor, and the animal food plant's discharge. Staff continue monitoring and say the plant currently meets discharge standards.
Board of Commissioners — April 9, 2026
Residents keep emailing about sewer odors in Mentor. The county is adding chemicals at a pump station and monitoring hydrogen sulfide in three manholes with EPA cooperation — no excessive spikes so far.
Board of Commissioners (Work) — January 29, 2026
The Sanitary Engineer reported the Mentor water situation has stabilized and will continue to be monitored.
Lake County Ohio Commissioners Meeting - Live Stream — January 8, 2026
Residents have been dealing with sewer odors, and the county ran a pilot program to fix it. Utilities officials say it worked and they're designing a permanent solution while waiting on a consultant's final report. Commissioner Plecnik asked that residents and city officials get regular updates.
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