Septic tank co. banned from doing business in Erie County

SANDUSKY — Erie County's health board banned a septic tank company accused of dumping raw sewage in a field from doing business in Erie County during the rest of 2025. The health board, voting 7-0 Tuesday night, rejected Father & Son Septic Services' applications, which would allow it to: • Install new septic tank systems • Haul away sewage from septic tanks • Provide septic tank maintenance and repair in Erie County The board's vote denied the company's application to provide those three services in Erie County. The company's $220 check for the registration fees was mailed back on Wednesday. In early 2024, Father & Son, located at 53001 Ward Road in Wakeman, got into trouble for allegedly dumping raw sewage into a farm field. The resolution approved Tuesday night claims that Father & Son Septic Services owner James Coon broke promises last year to promptly clean up the farm field and disregarded other rules imposed by the health board, including hauling away sewage from businesses under the board's jurisdiction. Coon has 10 days from the resolution's passage to request a hearing asking the health board to reconsider its decision. If Coon requests a hearing, it would occur at the board's next regular meeting, Feb. 25, at the health department offices in Sandusky. Coon's attorney, Brent English of Cleveland, did not return a telephone call asking for comment. The vote to approve the resolution was unanimous. Board members Linda Miller-Moore, Mike Bixler, Adam Machoukas, Joey Supina, Dr. Dina Bauer, Bob Lippert and Charles Murray all voted in favor. Board members Natalie Felter, Dr. Richard Keller, Leroy Sizemore and Ron Brown did not attend the meeting. Many if not all of them were ill, said Pete Schade, Erie County's health commissioner. The business is located near the border of Lorain County and does business in more than one county. The company estimated last year that it gets 40% of its business in Erie County. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by the business appealing last year's punishment by the health board is still before Erie County Common Pleas Court Judge Roger Binette in Erie County Common Pleas Court. The judge also has not made a decision yet on a contempt of court accusation against Father & Son Septic Services, Schade said. Editor's note: Father & Son Septic Services, based in Wakeman, is not associated with the home repair business Father & Son Do-It-All Service, which is based in Sandusky.