The following statement was released in full by Vermilion Mayor Russ Owens regarding Lorain County’s potential wastewater treatment plant and sewer line project, including the county’s announcement that it has secured land within the City of Vermilion and the city’s position on any possible connection to that system.
To Vermilion residents,
Last Friday, February 13, 2026, at the morning meeting of the Lorain County Commissioners, it was announced that Lorain County had secured land in the City of Vermilion to advance the potential build of their Waste Water and Sewer project.
The Lorain County Waste Water plant and sewer line is strictly a Lorain County project. This is not a Vermilion City project.
The Commissioner’s announcement was done without any input or notification to Vermilion. The only way the City of Vermilion would be involved with the Lorain County plant and sewer project would be only if, again only if, the City of Vermilion chooses to “tie in” to the Lorain County plant and sewer project.
Lorain County will operate their plant as they determine.
It is essential that Vermilion citizens know that long before my election in November, I had met with and toured our Water and Wastewater facilities numerous times. That I had met with the Superintendents and workers at both plants many times.
Currently, both of our plants are operational and perform at the levels directed by the EPA. Our citizens must know that I am exploring every option our City has in resolving and improving our service to them.
Both before and after my election, I have had substantive talks with Lorain County Commissioners, Erie County Commissioners and Utility Director, and the City of Lorain’s Mayor Jack Bradly.
We will be analyzing the many options Vermilion has in meeting the EPA directives imposed on our City. Those options include but are not limited to; connecting to Lorain City, connecting to Erie County, connecting to Lorain County, improving our own plant to operate optimally for the next 20 years…..or a combination thereof.
As long as I am Mayor, Vermilion will not be dictated to. We will do what is in the best interest of our citizens. At what cost? The most economical one…..one Vermilion can afford.
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