Board staff publishes Emerson Creek Wind Project findings

BELLEVUE — The Ohio Power Siting Board moved a step closer this week to making its final decision on a proposed wind farm in Erie and Huron counties as its staff published the investigative report on the project. Apex Clean Energy's Emerson Creek Wind Project — a plan to construct up to 71 wind turbines in the two counties — needs the board's approval of its application. On Monday, the board's staff completed its investigation report and recommended the board ensure the project meets 42 conditions if it votes to approve the application. "The staff report does not constitute a decision in the case, but is a recommendation to the voting members of the board, who will have the final say whether or not to authorize construction," board spokesman Matt Butler said. Most of the recommendations ensure it meets the conditions of the application and that the project's impact on the community, environment and wildlife is limited as much as possible. One of the conditions requires a staff-approved environmental specialist, with expertise in water quality and endangered species protection, to be on site during construction in sensitive areas. The specialist would have the authority to shut down construction if there are unforeseen environmental impacts. "We're grateful to the Ohio Power Siting Board staff for their hard work on this report," said Drew Christensen, the project spokesperson for Apex. "In the report, staff recommends that the board find that Emerson Creek complies with all relevant state requirements. We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Ohio Power Siting Board and the local community regarding Emerson Creek over the coming days and weeks." The board will not vote until there's a public hearing near the affected community and an evidentiary hearing in Columbus. It's hosting a local public hearing on the proposed wind energy project at the Bellevue VFW on March 18 at 3 p.m. Walt Poffenbaugh, whose Norwich Township home is in the footprint of the Emerson Creek, plans to attend the event to voice the concerns he has about the project. Emerson Creek and other wind energy projects in Northern Ohio have dealt with stiff opposition from residents. Many area residents have taken issue with the fact that a board in Columbus has the final say on projects that they believe could negatively affect their daily lives. In response, Ohio lawmakers have introduced bills that would require a referendum on local ballots before developers can build a wind turbine in a community. The board is also looking to involve the public as it conducts the five-year review of its rules. Go to sanduskyregister.com to read the report.