County corridor analysis flags groundwater/infrastructure trade-offs; battery storage in Blendon questioned

Ottawa County staff on Nov. 6 summarized a corridor analysis from consultant Flywheel that maps infrastructure availability against groundwater constraints to identify locations best suited for new housing and industrial growth. Staff said the intent is to maximize existing infrastructure while minimizing conflicts with groundwater and other environmental constraints, and they plan to seek funding partners to extend the analysis and pursue prioritized projects.

Commissioners discussed next steps including convening partners, reaching out to workforce development organizations, and incorporating corridor priorities into countywide infrastructure planning. Staff said they have a price quote from Flywheel and will pursue additional funding partners and agenda opportunities with partner organizations early in the new year.

Commissioners raised a specific question about a proposed battery storage project in Blendon Township and whether its cooling systems could worsen groundwater issues. Meeting participants reported that the township planning meeting showed significant local opposition and that groundwater levels and contamination concerns are part of the review. County staff and partners said they do not yet have details on cooling-water withdrawals for the battery project and agreed to investigate whether the project would use municipal water or other sources and what the expected impacts would be.

Staff said corridor work will be ongoing and noted the need to coordinate with county groundwater boards and economic partners to align infrastructure investments with real projects.