The decision came down today during the Ohio Power Siting Board meeting, where they voted in favor of denying a certificate of environmental capability for Lightsourcebp's Birch Solar Project. Residents in Allen and Auglaize County over the past two years have voiced their concern over the project, and a Shawnee Township trustee says that the people's voice was heard by the board.
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An public hearing was held to hear opinions on a potential solar project in Allen and Auglaize counties. The Ohio Power Siting Board set up the hearing at the Allen County Fairgrounds on the Birch Solar Project.
Representatives of the “Allen Auglaize Coalition for Reasonable Energy”, or “ACRE”, speaking with Allen County Commissioners on Tuesday. They presented them with a letter of support for the project and believe the project will make a positive impact on the region. They responded to the eight concerns listed in a letter submitted to the “Ohio Power Siting Board” on June 30th by the commissioners. “ACRE” says the letter only refers to negative concerns from those against the project and positive comments in favor should be submitted as well.
The Allen Auglaize Coalition for Reasonable Energy (ACRE) held a virtual press conference through Zoom on Thursday. The meeting was held to discuss potential impacts and benefits that Lightsource BP's Birch Solar Project could have on both counties. The Birch Solar Farm Project would occupy over 1,000 acres in Allen and Auglaize County. The project is anticipated to deliver nearly 600,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually into the local AEP grid.
During a virtual meeting, Mark Wellman, owner of Winona Lake, presented a PowerPoint with concerns about drainage, size, noise, and other issues he has with the project. The Birch Solar project permit is now sitting at the Ohio Siting Board waiting on approval or not. Wellman states that he has several concerns in the permit application that just don’t add up to him and will continue to address the issue.
Lightsource bp met virtually with commissioners presenting information that will help them have a better understanding of the possible taxation options of the project. As alternative energy and being solar they are heavy on equipment and light on fuel, so a preferential tax treatment was created by the state known as “PILOT” – payment in lieu of taxes. It is based on the capacity, or megawatts of the project, not the value. Commissioners want to have a good understanding of the numbers so if or when a “PILOT” may be asked for they can make an informed decision.
The director of development with Lightsource BP speaking virtually with Allen County Commissioners Thursday afternoon updating them on the Birch Solar project proposed in Shawnee Township. They have finalized their permitting layout and will be submitting it to the Ohio Power Siting Board. After concerns from the community, the company has decreased the total project acreage from 3,000 to 2,300 with only 1,400 acres containing panels. And those will be placed on site-specific land.
Against Birch Solar, LLC. hosted a public meeting on Saturday with Senate President Matt Huffman and Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp in attendance. The meeting aimed to discuss LightSource BP's Birch Solar project and the concerns that have been raised by community members.
Shawnee Township residents gathered at Shawnee Alliance Church in order to plan next their next steps to oppose an upcoming solar panel project. Lightsource BP previously announced a $316 million solar farm project that Trustees say would occupy approximately 2,600 acres of land in Shawnee Township.