Mayfield Heights review finds widespread storm-to-sewer cross‑connections in Marnell area; city to repair public side and notify homeowners

Mayfield Heights — At a Sept. 23 Committee of the Whole meeting, a GPD Group representative summarized a detailed dye‑testing report of the Marnell area that found extensive stormwater inflow into the sanitary sewer system and recommended city repairs to public‑side defects followed by homeowner notifications and options for privately funded repairs.

The presentation by Mr. Chuuni of the GPD Group focused on results of a follow‑up camera and dye program covering 107 properties (selected from an earlier set of 168). "Of the 107 properties that were tested, 101 properties tested positive," Chuuni said, describing positive tests as dye water visibly entering the sanitary sewer from storm drains, downspouts or yard drains.

Why it matters: stormwater entering sanitary lines increases flows the wastewater system must carry, can cause basement flooding and can damage sewer pipes. The committee and staff framed the findings as a combined city and private responsibility: the city will repair defects it controls in the public right‑of‑way, and homeowners will be expected to address private laterals and downspouts after the city work is complete.

Key findings and scope

- The follow‑up detailed program tested 107 properties; 101 were positive for stormwater entering sanitary sewers, 5 were negative and 1 could not be tested because a sag in the line prevented camera inspection. Six homeowners originally refused access for private‑side testing.

- Inspectors identified 696 possible connection…