Utilities department says odor control adjustments are underway for wastewater lift stations
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Summary
Lake County utilities staff told commissioners consultants are analyzing recent data and that staff adjusted chemical dosages at a lift station to mitigate extreme odors—staff said the goal is reduction of peak odors rather than elimination and that recommendations will follow.
County utilities staff provided a technical update on an ongoing odor control project at sewer facilities, saying consultants have gathered data over recent weeks and staff have adjusted chemical dosages at a lift station to reduce extreme odor events.
The utilities representative said the effort is not intended to remove all wastewater odor, noting, "the goal here isn't to eliminate all odors from the wastewater stream" and that wastewater will continue to have an inherent smell. The department described dosing adjustments tailored to different times of day, seasons and flow conditions and said consultants will recommend optimal dosage strategies.
Commissioners requested that staff keep residents informed, particularly in areas that experienced more severe odors and flooding, naming Fairport Harbor and Painesville Township as locations to target for outreach and expectation management.
Next steps: utilities staff expect consultant recommendations soon and will act on them, with outreach to affected neighborhoods and continued monitoring of outcomes.