Concerns over Leachate in Fostoria

FOSTORIA — Members of Fostoria City Council met to continue discussions around the city's involvement with a leachate spill at Win Waste Innovations of Seneca County, with Mayor Don Mennel explaining that if successful the city will benefit in multiple ways. Previously, a motion was made by members of council for the city of Fostoria to accept a collection of leachate from the landfill for refinement. Mennel explained that there are three ways the income will be spent from the initiative will be spent in three ways: "The first is that sewer rates in 2026 will not increase," said Mennel. "Secondly, we will be able to increase our reserve fund for the sewer department– which is a requirement to exit the city's state of Fiscal Emergency." Mennel concluded, "The final reason being that the funds will be used to offset costs for residents who have to change out lead pipes," said Mennel. On another note, Mennel shared that an item under new business is requesting that $60,000 of the opioid settlement money be distributed to the following organizations. $5,000 to Welcome to a New Life, $30,000 to the D.A.R.E program, $10,000 to the Seneca County Pivot Court, and $15,000 to HOPE in Fostoria. Councilman Bob Podach expressed his concerns regarding the matter, saying recent coverage did not explain the matter fully. Podach continued by explaining that leachate is one of the most complicated waste waters to dispose of due to the required use of membranes and advanced oxidation techniques. "Pollutants such as nutrients, salt, heavy metals, and forever chemicals may influence the performance of wastewater treatment plants," said Podach. He explained that not only have these issues been highlighted in recent years, and that he feels further effort can be made to reduce contaminants by a further 1-2%. He continued, explaining that his concerns around the matter stem from future contamination issues. "So if in 5-10 years if the EPA were to test the water and find things that shouldn't be, who would be responsible then? The city, the landfill, Seneca County Health District? That part of the portage is in Wood County, it raises questions," said Podach. Podach concluded by sharing that while Mayor Mennel raised very valid benefits to accepting the leachate, it's important to recognize that the city is dealing with a commercial industrial solid waste facility rather than a municipal solid waste facility. "I've got some more questions, and am hoping to get more answers," said Podach. "I don't have a problem with it if it's done right." In an additional note, Podach expressed concerns in regards to placing solar panels around Reservoir #5, sharing a photo where there is a visible "mountain of trash in the background." Additionally at the meeting, Madison Stearns was formally appointed and accepted as the interim Safety Service Director in Eric Keckler's absence to keep by the city charter. Stearns noted that the second item under new business stems from anonymous citizen donations to purchase park benches from the Findlay Mall and should be passed as an emergency so that the benches can be obtained and repurposed throughout the city and its reservoir. Additionally, Stearns noted that all activities in regard to the Urban Forestry Grant have been paused until further notice. "At this time, we are unsure of that funding will return- the city had not spent any of those funds yet, so nothing needs to be repaid," said Stearns. In other news, members of the Finance committee shared some supplemental updates and noted the next meeting will take place 5:#0 p.m. March 18. Additionally, the public affairs committee noted several upcoming events: Tree and Beautification Commission meeting - 4 p.m. February 19th in Conference Room 2 at the City building. Records Retention Meeting 2 p.m. Feb. 20th in Conference Room 2 at the City building. UAW Local 2021 Civil & Human Rights Committee - 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at UAW HALL, N. Union St., Fostoria. Join members of the UAW for their 3rd annual Black History Month Movie Night featuring the movie Red Tails, in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. Fostoria City Council's Public Affairs Committee - 11 a.m. Mar. 1 in the McLean Room of Kaubisch Memorial Public Library, 205 Perry St., Fostoria. Convos with Council is an informal meet and greet, open to the public, and all members of council and those seeking council seats are encouraged to attend. Will occur on a quarterly basis. During the public portion of the meeting, several residents expressed concerns regarding the leachate. One resident, Jill Filliater, noted that in regards to the city falling in three different counties, the city could go through an ordinance process to become a part of one county. Another resident, Joy Walters, shared she is upset the conversation is once again on the table. "Under Old Business, several ordinances were adopted following their third reading, including the following: Ord. No.: 2025-09: An ordinance establishing the position, responsibilities and qualifications for the position of full-time Water Treatment Plant Lead Operator for the City of Fostoria, Ohio, and declaring an emergency to exist. Ord. No.: 2025-10: An ordinance enacting new Chapter 946 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled "ILLICIT DISCHARGE AND ILLEGAL CONNECTION CONTROL", and declaring an emergency to exist. Ord. No.: 2025-11: Enacting new Chapter 947 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled "EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL", and declaring an emergency to exist. Ord. No.: 2025-12: Enacting new Chapter 948 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled "COMPREHENSIVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT", and declaring an emergency to exist. Ord. No.: 2025-13: Amending Chapter 1163 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, entitled "Required Improvements". Ord. No.: 2025-14: Amending Chapter 1164 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, entitled "Storm Water Facilities", relating to reference to new Chapter 947. Under new business, an additional ordinance was adopted as an emergency following the waiver of the three-reading rule: Ord. No.: 2025-16: Adopting and Amending ordinance No. 2024-105 (Permanent 2025 Appropriations) by appropriating from unappropriated funds in the Beautification Fund and declaring an emergency to exist. The meeting concluded shortly afterward with no need to enter an executive session. The next regularly scheduled council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. March 4 in council chambers.