OPSB approves solar energy project in Erie and Huron counties; denies project in Sandusky and Seneca counties

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Power Siting Board on Thursday approved an application filed by Firelands Wind, LLC to construct a wind-powered electric generating facility in Erie and Huron counties and denied an application filed by Republic Wind LLC to construct a wind-powered electric generating facility in Seneca and Sandusky counties. 

Firelands Wind, LLC’s plan allows them to construct an up-to 297 MW Emerson Creek wind farm in Groton and Oxford townships in Erie County, and Lyme, Norwich, Richmond, Ridgefield, and Sherman townships in Huron County. Their original plan was modified by the board to remove eight wind turbines, planned to be located on known or suspected karst formations. This was done to prevent adverse impacts on local groundwater.

Republic Wind, LLC’s plan would have allowed them to construct a 200 MW wind farm in Adams, Pleasant, Reed, Scipio, and Thompson townships in Seneca County and York Township in Sandusky County. The board denied it because it would not serve the “public interest, convenience and necessity.” They also said Republic Wind, LLC did not demonstrate how it could minimize environmental impact, which is required by Ohio law.

When talking about the Republic Wind, LLC plan, OPSB Chair Jenifer French said, “The facts in this case, including substantial local government opposition, lead me to believe that, overall, this project is not in the public interest.”