TRC’s Integrated Permitting Solutions Help Secure Critical Ohio Power Siting Board Approval for Major Natural Gas Project
Kindle Energy, through its subsidiary Bluegrass Power Generation LLC, is developing a state-of-the-art natural gas power generation facility in Jefferson Township, Ohio. The proposed facility will generate approximately 800 megawatts (MW) of electricity and support growing power demand associated with large scale commercial and industrial development in the region.
The project site sits adjacent to the Midwest Mega Commerce Center, one of Ohio’s largest certified Job Ready development areas. The facility will occupy approximately 100 acres and will use simple cycle dual fuel combustion turbines capable of operating primarily on natural gas with ultra-low sulfur diesel available as a backup fuel.
To construct and operate the facility, Bluegrass submitted an application to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need under Case No. 25-0227-EL-BGN.
TRC led a multidisciplinary permitting and environmental review program designed to advance the project through the OPSB regulatory process.
Challenge
Energy facilities in Ohio that exceed 50 MW of generating capacity must obtain approval from the OPSB, which requires detailed environmental studies, technical evaluations and community impact assessments.
For the Bluegrass Power project, this process required coordination across multiple regulatory disciplines including environmental studies, infrastructure planning and stakeholder engagement. The proposed facility also needed to demonstrate compatibility with surrounding agricultural land uses while addressing potential impacts related to air quality, ecological resources, cultural resources, noise, traffic and visual conditions.
The project required extensive technical documentation and supporting exhibits to provide regulators with a comprehensive understanding of facility design, environmental conditions and proposed mitigation measures.
Related Services
Solution
TRC served as a key environmental and permitting partner providing integrated services to support OPSB certification and overall project development.
Environmental and Technical Studies
TRC performed a range of environmental and technical investigations to evaluate potential impacts associated with the proposed power generation facility. These efforts included ecological surveys, wetland and surface water delineations, cultural resource investigations, geotechnical evaluations and visual and sound impact assessments.
We conducted field investigations to delineate wetlands and streams within the project study area and evaluate environmental resources that could influence site design and permitting. The study area covers approximately 381 acres and consists primarily of agricultural land uses in Fayette County.
Our team also completed ecological surveys and coordinated with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate potential ecological impacts associated with development of the facility.
Cultural resource specialists conducted archaeological and historical investigations in coordination with the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office to determine whether historic or archaeological resources could be affected by the project.
Additional analyses included:
- Surface water and wetland delineation studies
- Sound impact modeling and noise assessments
- Visual impact analysis and photo simulations
- Geotechnical desktop review and subsurface evaluations
- Land use and community impact assessments
Together, these studies provided the technical foundation required for the OPSB application.
Permitting and Regulatory Support
TRC supported preparation of the OPSB application and coordinated with regulatory agencies throughout the permitting process.
Key components of the application included:
- Traffic Management Plan evaluating construction traffic and transportation routes
- Economic Impact Report assessing regional economic benefits
- Complaint Resolution Plan outlining procedures for addressing community concerns during construction and operation
- Environmental and technical exhibits documenting environmental resources and mitigation strategies
Our integrated team of permitting specialists, environmental scientists, engineers and GIS professionals collaborated to develop the technical documentation required for regulatory review.
Results
TRC’s multidisciplinary support enabled the successful preparation and submission of a comprehensive OPSB application for the Bluegrass Power Generation facility. The project will deliver up to 800 MW of reliable power generation capacity, helping support expanding commercial and industrial activity in Fayette County and the surrounding region and was recently approved by the OPSB. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with commercial operation anticipated in 2028.
Through integrated environmental studies, regulatory coordination and technical documentation, TRC positioned the project to advance through the state siting process while maintaining environmental stewardship and community awareness.
Key achievements included:
- Successfully supported the OPSB application process enabling the Bluegrass Power Generation project to advance toward regulatory approval.
- Delivered a comprehensive multidisciplinary permitting package integrating environmental studies, technical assessments and regulatory documentation required for large scale energy infrastructure development.
- Enabled the development of an 800 MW natural gas generation facility and associated pipeline infrastructure supporting future energy demand for major commercial and industrial expansion in the region.
- Helped advance infrastructure that will support the Midwest Mega Commerce Center strengthening regional economic development and energy reliability.
- Demonstrated TRC’s integrated services model coordinating permitting, environmental compliance, engineering and stakeholder engagement to efficiently manage complex regulatory requirements.