Mayfield Heights committee reviews Marnell sewer dye‑testing; 101 of 107 properties showed storm‑to‑sanitary flow

At a Committee of the Whole meeting on Sept. 23, 2024, the city received a detailed report of dye‑testing in the Marnell neighborhood that found stormwater entering the sanitary sewer at most tested properties and identified dozens of defects on the city side of the lines.

GPD Group presenter Mr. Chuuni summarized the testing and the consultant AECOM’s findings: “Of the 107 properties that were tested, 101 properties tested positive. That's a big number. It's a big number,” he said. The report includes individual exhibits and camera photos for each property, and classifies defects on a 1‑to‑5 national scale where level 3 or above is recommended for repair.

The findings matter because the city’s sanitary system is showing multiple points where stormwater (from downspouts, driveway or yard drains) is entering sanitary pipes; that increases system flows and can cause localized flooding and higher system maintenance costs. The city engineer and Public Works committee recommended prioritizing repairs tied to the Marnell project, notifying affected homeowners, holding a town hall to distribute the results, and providing information about contractor and financing options.

Key findings and recommendations

- Testing scope and result: The detailed follow‑up dye testing covered 107 properties; 101 returned positive indications of stormwater entering sanitary laterals. Six property owners refused access and were not re‑tested. An additional 29 properties could not be fully tested on the private side because of severe defects in the public (city) portion of the lateral…