Council approves 60-day bioxide trial to address Friendly Hills sewer odor

On March 17, 2026, the Mendota Heights City Council approved a purchase order to run a 60-day bioxide solution demonstration intended to reduce sewer odor complaints in the Friendly Hills neighborhood, Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie told the council.

Ritchie said staff have long been aware of odor concerns in Friendly Hills, that prior rehabilitation addressed severely corroded pipe but residents continued to report smells, and that after discussion with the Metropolitan Council staff decided to try treating the odor source rather than install an odor-control unit. "Staff are confident that this will extend to a permanent solution," Ritchie said. He estimated implementation would take about eight to 10 weeks.

Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve the purchase order for the bioxide solution demonstration; Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. The trial will run for 60 days and staff will evaluate results before recommending any permanent action to the council.

The trial was presented as a less expensive alternative to installing an odor-control unit, which would require a capital investment. The city did not provide a cost estimate in the meeting record. Staff said the approach is intended to treat the source of the odor rather than only masking it.

Next steps: staff will implement the 60-day demonstration and report back to the council with findings and a recommendation on whether to proceed with a longer-term, permanent solution.