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Powell council backs PUCO assessment to study hazardous-material traffic on Ohio 315
Summary
Council approved a resolution asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to assess whether hazardous-material through-transport should be restricted on the small Powell segment of State Route 315; proponents said the study could take 12–18 months and the resolution is nonbinding and carries no immediate city expense.
The Powell City Council on Jan. 21 adopted a resolution urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to assess the feasibility of restricting through-transport of hazardous materials on portions of Ohio State Route 315 that affect the Powell area.
Andy, the city manager, described the resolution as a policy statement and said it carries no immediate financial obligation for the city. He told council the PUCO has authority to designate restricted routes and that the assessment would be a first step; staff estimated the commission’s analysis could take roughly 12 to 18 months.
State Representative Brian Lorenz, who joined the meeting to support the resolution, said the effort began as a safety concern and noted the limited ability of local agencies to widen the corridor. “This whole discussion began as a safety consideration for residents at about 03:15,” Lorenz said, noting that a full prohibition of truck traffic on a state route would be difficult and that the task force’s proposal seeks routing limitations for hazardous cargo rather than an absolute ban.
Councilmember Christina (first name only in record) read the policy language from the resolution into the record: “This council believes prohibiting, the transportation of hazardous material on Ohio 315 in the Powell area will reduce traffic flow, eliminate certain risk, and improve the quality of life for local residents.” The resolution is a nonbinding policy statement that staff said would be forwarded to the PUCO and coordinated with Liberty Township and other regional partners.
Public commenters including Brian Lorenz and a Liberty Township representative described past incidents and urged the council’s support; Liberty Township and other neighboring jurisdictions indicated they would consider similar measures.
Council members asked about enforcement and potential downstream costs. Staff and representatives said any future construction, rerouting or mitigation that required funding would come back to council for legislative consideration; the policy resolution itself imposes no spending requirement.
A motion to adopt passed by voice vote; Resolution 20 25-04 was adopted.
Ending: The resolution directs staff to forward council’s support to the PUCO and coordinate on the task force; any further action that requires funding would require separate council approval.
