Our Local Officials Have Ignored Us

For years, residents of the Woodhill Subdivision have raised concerns about the overwhelming sewer odor plaguing our neighborhood. But instead of meaningful action, we've been met with dismissal, deflection, and silence from those entrusted to serve us.

The Lake County Utility Department has offered the same generic explanations for years—blaming the marsh, claiming no issue exists, or telling us to “just call when it smells.” When pressed, they send crews who minimize the concern, and no lasting solution is ever proposed. Despite dozens of complaints and years of issue, the Lake County Commissioners now refuse to respond at all.

We've reached out to every relevant authority—including PUCO, the Ohio Attorney General, and the EPA—yet the issue continues to be passed from agency to agency, with no one taking responsibility.

This petition exists because we are done being ignored. We are calling for transparency, accountability, and urgent action. Our voices matter, and it's time our public officials start listening.

Who is impacted?
Residents of the Woodhill Subdivision in Mentor, Ohio—including families living on Lenore Dr., Lorrey Pl., Richard Dr., and Sarah Ct. and beyond—have been battling a persistent and overwhelming sewer odor for years. The smell, consistent with hydrogen sulfide (sewer gas), fills the air across front yards, backyards, sidewalks, and streets. It’s strongest in the early morning and evening, and worsens after rain. This is not a minor nuisance—this is a community-wide issue that affects daily life, makes outdoor activity unpleasant or even unbearable, and raises serious concerns about long-term health impacts.

What is at stake?
If nothing changes, families will continue to live with the stench and the unanswered questions about its health effects. Property values could suffer, neighborhood pride erodes, and trust in local government will continue to deteriorate. On the other hand, meaningful action—investigation, transparency, and a long-overdue solution—could restore not only clean air, but dignity and peace of mind for every person living in this community.

Why is now the time to act?
Residents have exhausted every official channel—Lake County Utilities, the County Commissioners, the EPA, PUCO, and even the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Every agency points the finger elsewhere, while no one takes accountability. But now, with growing media attention and federal awareness beginning to build, we have a real opportunity to shine a light on this issue and force those responsible to act. The health, safety, and quality of life of an entire neighborhood are on the line—and we need your signature to help make change happen.