Judge Approves City of Maumee Consent Decree with Ohio EPA and Attorney General’s Office
On October 8, Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Lindsay Navarre approved the consent decree between the City, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The consent decree was reached after extensive negotiations and requires the City to follow the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES) and establishes timelines for the elimination of sanitary sewer discharges. The agreement also protects City staff currently working on the program from liability under the terms of the decree.
In August, Maumee City Council approved Ordinance 020-2025, authorizing the consent decree. This step further allows the use of public funding for critical improvements to the City’s sanitary sewer system, including sewer lateral repairs or replacements on private property, sump pump corrections or installations, and the removal of clean water connections to the system on certain private properties.
Fixing the System at Its Source:
Much of Maumee’s sewer overflow comes from private drains and sump pumps on residential properties. The City’s remediation program is dedicated to repairing infrastructure, preventing overflows, and minimizing the need for expensive storage tanks.
What You Need to Do:
City crews will need access inside your home to inspect your sewer connections. If a problem is found, homeowners will be responsible for making the necessary repairs. The Sanitary Sewer Remediation Program can help cover eligible repair costs.
Three Steps to Be Eligible for the Program:
- Schedule Your Sewer Inspection
- Review & Sign the Sewer Commitment Form by December 31, 2025
- Apply for a Sewer Grant
Download the Grant Application How-To Guide:
Internal Clean Water Connection Repair Grant - Application How To Guide
Important Facts:
Maumee began addressing its sewer issues five years ago through repairs, relining, and replacements of sewer lines on streets and alleys, along with correcting catch basins in commercial areas that were improperly connected to the sanitary system. In 2021, the City hired Stantec, a global engineering firm, to conduct a comprehensive study of the sewer system.
Since June 2024, the focus has shifted to home sewer inspections. As of October 17, the following progress has been made:
- Number of Scheduled Inspections: 2,176
- Number of Completed Inspections: 813
TO CONTACT THE CITY SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOW REMEDIATION PROGRAM:
Phone: 419-897-7127 | email: conveyance@maumee.org
Sewer Conveyance Office New Location:
The office handling the sewer program has moved to the first floor of the Police building.