The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has stepped in to require a series of improvements at the Blossom Solar construction site in northern Morrow County. The directive follows mounting concerns over environmental conditions, worker safety, and operational practices during the ongoing buildout of the large-scale solar facility.
Access and Safety Concerns
At the heart of OPSB’s order is the stabilization of access points to the construction area. Reports described muddy, unstable entrances that worsened after summer storms, raising safety and environmental red flags. By mandating reinforced entryways, OPSB aims to prevent further sediment runoff and reduce hazardous conditions for trucks and crews moving in and out of the site.
Drainage and Stormwater Issues
Heavy rainfall around August 13 highlighted another problem: inadequate drainage. Local labor groups and residents pointed to pooling water, erosion, and possible easement violations. In response, OPSB directed project managers to strengthen stormwater and sediment controls, which typically means maintaining silt fences and implementing erosion prevention measures. These requirements are part of the site’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, which has now come under closer scrutiny.
Tensions on the Labor Front
The project has also faced friction unrelated to soil and water. Local unions have raised objections to the hiring of non-union workers, staging protests at the site. For labor leaders, the drainage concerns and access problems reinforce their argument that the project has not always followed best practices on the ground.
Balancing Progress with Compliance
The Blossom Solar Project, developed by Sol Systems, is designed to bring long-term benefits to Morrow County, including new energy capacity, jobs, and tax revenue. But the OPSB’s recent action signals that growth cannot come at the expense of compliance. The Board has made clear that environmental safeguards and worker safety must be addressed before the project can proceed smoothly.
Looking Ahead
As construction continues, OPSB is expected to maintain close oversight. The Board’s orders serve as both a corrective measure and a reminder that renewable energy projects in Ohio must meet the same rigorous standards as any other industrial development. For now, all eyes remain on Blossom Solar as it works to stabilize its site, its workforce, and its standing in the community.
