Online public hearing set for proposed wind farm

BELLEVUE — After a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearings for a proposed wind farm in Erie and Huron counties are back. Apex Clean Energy needs the approval of the Ohio Power Siting Board before moving forward with its Emerson Creek Wind Project — a plan to build up to 71 turbines in the area. In March, the board's staff announced the application met all the requirements and could move forward to public and adjudicatory hearings. But due to COVID-19, the board canceled the meetings initially scheduled for dates in March and April. The board recently rescheduled both hearings, but because of the virus, the meetings will take place online through Cisco Webex, a platform that allows participation through telephone and video conferencing. Public hearing The board scheduled the public hearing for 3 p.m. on Aug. 20. Its purpose is to allow residents of the community to provide five minutes of testimony for or against the project. People who want to testify must register with the board before noon on Aug. 19 by completing a form at opsb.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/opsb/events/emerson-creek-public-hearing or calling 800-686-7826. People can also attend the public hearing without testifying by calling 1-408-418-9388 and entering access code 129345 or watching the live stream on YouTube. Adjudicatory hearing The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 5 and provides Apex, board staff and other parties in the case an opportunity to give evidence on the proposed wind farm. The board has not yet released information on how to view the adjudicatory hearing but will at a later date.