LORDSTOWN, Ohio - Lordstown Mayor Jackie Woodward has called for a large community turnout at a public hearing this evening regarding a renewal of a local power plant’s permit.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will host the meeting at 6 p.m. in the Lordstown Village Administration Building. Officials will discuss a proposal from the Clean Energy Future-Trumbull plant to discharge wastewater into Mud Creek.

The 962-megawatt facility plans to release about 620,000 gallons of water daily into the creek. Woodward said she is concerned about potential flooding and the impact on local livestock and wildlife that rely on the waterway.

Village leaders have long opposed using the creek for industrial discharge. While the Ohio Power Siting Board previously allowed the plan to avoid expensive upgrades to the Warren water system, Woodward said public testimony is necessary to protect natural resources.

The mayor said the plant could choose to use existing sewer systems or build its own treatment facility instead of using the creek.

The hearing at 1455 Salt Springs Road allows residents to ask questions and provide comments. The Ohio EPA will review all testimony before deciding whether to approve the discharge permit.