Commission postpones Amazon fuel-cell site plan change after residents and fire chief raise emissions, safety and monitoring concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 9 voted to postpone consideration of a site-plan change that would allow behind-the-meter Bloom Energy fuel-cell modules at the Amazon Data Services campus on Sato Darby Road, after public comments and questions from the Norwich Township fire chief and commissioners raised concerns about emissions, noise, emergency access and post-installation monitoring.

Staff presented renderings and a noise study, noting the fuel-cell arrays would be sited behind the meter on a building pad and set back from the road. "The fuel cell module area will be enclosed by an 8-foot chain link fence consistent with the fencing that's on the site," staff said. Staff recommended approval with four conditions contained in the staff report.

Norwich Township Fire Chief Dave Baird told the commission his office had not reviewed plans and that he and his staff had concerns about access to main shutoffs and fire-department plan review: "This is 72.9 megawatts... That's concerning to us," he said, adding his office had contacted the State Fire Marshal and had not yet received guidance. Chief Baird said the fire department would participate in the building-plan review process once plans are submitted.

Applicant and technical representatives from AEP and Bloom Energy described the fuel cells as a non-combustion electrochemical process and said they had submitted an Ohio EPA air permit. Bloom Energy representatives said the power modules are monitored 24/7 and that emergency shutoff provisions and signage will be shown on building-permit plans. "There's no combustion during this process," a Bloom Energy presenter said, and company representatives added they will conduct post-installation coordination and training with the fire department.

Several residents and subject-matter speakers urged the commission to delay or require additional conditions. Paul Lambert, a resident and data-center consultant, urged the city to require on-site carbon-capture technology where feasible and to review Ohio EPA permit conditions for monitoring. Local residents raised concerns about proximity to homes and Beacon Elementary School, potential air-quality effects and noise. One public commenter said similar fuel-cell plans were withdrawn elsewhere after objections.

After discussion, commissioners asked staff to provide the Ohio EPA air-permit conditions and any monitoring or post-installation testing requirements. Commission members moved to postpone the item to the November commission meeting so the commission could review the Ohio EPA permit and related monitoring conditions; the motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: The item was postponed to the November meeting; staff will supply the Ohio EPA permit details and any monitoring/testing conditions so commissioners can consider them before taking final action.