EPA approves last permit for Baard plant in Wellsville

WELLSVILLE — Columbiana County’s future became much brighter today when a key permit was approved for a plant to turn coal into liquid fuel.

Tracy Drake, the chief executive officer of the Columbiana County Port Authority, said he was discussing another phase of the project when the word came in. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency approved an air quality permit for Baard Energy.

It was the last of three major OEPA permits — that included wetlands and wastewater quality — needed to start the project.

The project is expected to pump $5.5 billion to $6 billion in construction costs into the southern portion of the county over five years.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com