LORDSTOWN, Ohio - Lordstown Mayor Jackie Woodward is calling on village residents to participate in an upcoming public hearing regarding a renewal proposal from the Clean Energy Future-Trumbull power plant. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will host the meeting on February 4, 2026, to discuss the facility's plan to discharge wastewater into Mud Creek in Lordstown.

The hearing is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Lordstown Village Administration Building Community Room, located at 1455 Salt Springs Road. In a letter addressed to the community, Woodward stated that the proposal raises concerns about the local ecosystem, public health, and water quality.

The power plant, a 962-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine facility, is currently seeking a renewal of its permits. However, the wastewater discharge remains a point of contention for local officials. During a July 2025 meeting of the Lordstown Village Board of Public Affairs, village engineer Christopher Kogelnik reported that the facility intended to discharge 620,000 gallons of water per day.

"We don't want properties to be flooded. Livestock use this creek to drink from in wildlife, even just just the wildlife in the community, it's important that they have a source of water that's clean," said Woodward. 

The village has historically opposed the use of Mud Creek for industrial discharge. Attorney Matthew Ries explained during previous proceedings that the plant’s certificate from the Ohio Power Siting Board allows for the discharge into the creek because the City of Warren’s treatment system would require expensive upgrades to handle the volume. Despite this, Woodward and other village leaders believe public testimony is necessary to ensure the Ohio EPA understands the community's environmental concerns.

"The decisions made will shape the future of our community and its natural resources," Woodward wrote in her message to residents. She emphasized that high turnout would demonstrate a collective commitment to protecting local water sources.

"We don't know exactly what kind of chemicals or products will be put into this water as it's dumped out into the stream, you know? And that's the job of the Ohio EPA is to protect these waterways, and so I think it's important that people come and voice their concerns about it," said Woodward.

The issues surrounding the Trumbull Energy Center have been a long-running matter for the village. Officials noted that residents raised similar concerns in 2017 when the project was first introduced. At that time, many residents worried about the potential for flooding and the chemical makeup of the "blow-down" water released from the plant's cooling towers.

The cooling process at the facility involves a 14-cell wet cooling tower. This system requires significant amounts of water and produces discharge that must be managed to stay within environmental limits. The upcoming hearing provides a formal platform for the public to ask questions and provide comments that the Ohio EPA must consider before making a final decision on the permits.

The permit renewal application includes limits on various pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, to ensure the facility meets modern air quality standards, according to the company.

Mayor Woodward’s letter reminds the public that Mud Creek is a vital part of the local environment used for wildlife and recreational activities. Residents who cannot attend the meeting in person may still be able to submit written comments to the Ohio EPA during the official comment period.

Woodward said she hopes the facility will reconsider discharging wastewater into Mud Creek.

"There are two sewer systems that exist at the intersection where this facility is located. They could dump it into those sewer systems or build their own treatment facility," said Woodward

The Ohio EPA will evaluate all oral testimony and written evidence before deciding whether to approve the discharge permit. Woodward urged neighbors to share information about the hearing to ensure the village is well-represented.