Local Officials, State Regulators Tour Beckjord Site and Receive Project Update
Local and state officials toured the Beckjord site on June 4 for an update on progress at the location
This article can be found in the local Clermont Sun Newspaper
During the first week of June, Commercial Liability Partners (CLP) welcomed several state and local officials for a tour of the Beckjord site. State Rep. Adam Bird, Clermont County Commissioner David Painter, former Ohio Township Trustee, Frank Renn and Ohio EPA officials visited the remediation site to see progress to-date and confirm compliance on the project.
While guiding officials around the site, the CLP team answered questions and discussed feedback about the project, its strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations, and potential development opportunity for the community. CLP also affirmed its commitment to staying on-schedule and on-budget, and to meet deadlines set for 2024.
Representative Bird and Commissioner Painter expressed optimism and confidence in the CLP team after the site visit.
Following the meeting State Rep. Adam Bird wrote in his Facebook post, “I feel assured that the former power station is being dismantled safely, on time, on budget, and in an ecologically safe way to protect the Ohio River and the drinking water intakes downstream.”
Officials saw firsthand the evolution of the property and discussed current and long-term plans for the site. Clermont County Commissioner David Painter posted “Thanks to Nathan Long, CLP Corporate Owner's Representative for letting us tour the Beckjord Remediation site today.” Painter also stated, “Seeing the progress, being able to ask questions, hearing the response of the regulators, and obtaining a clear understanding of the work to be accomplished enables the attendees to provide clarity to all stakeholders in this important project.” He went on to say “Once all of the remediation activities are completed (Current Schedule 2024) the site will be turned over to a development company for re-industrialization. The PORT license, crane and load out equipment are considered an asset for future development. A redundant extraction well is currently being installed to protect Clermont County water wells immediately adjacent to the site. This new well was requested by our Clermont County Water Quality Department, reviewed by Ohio EPA, and adopted by CLP as part of the remediation planning.”
Key updates from the site visit include:
All updates regarding compliance with human and environmental health regulations were affirmed on-site by the Ohio EPA, who cited a collaborative relationship with CLP officials.
The site’s interceptor wells also demonstrated how CLP keeps the county’s water safe, through a redundancy system that ensures a well is operating at all-times.
An expected Fall 2021 clean closure of Pond A as well as the capping of Ponds C and CX will create a safe environment for future use.
The future of the property was discussed as well. All parties expressed their willingness to work together for the site’s next use, to create jobs and a strong tax base for the local community.
While preliminary development plans remain tentative, there is optimism surrounding development potential at the site, including the potential for port development at the site.
CLP will continue to work closely with local officials to solicit feedback and input on the site’s potential use.
CLP looks forward to continued collaboration with local leaders and officials to create value for the community, and to continue to work closely with regulatory officials to prioritize environmental health and safety at the site.
CLP is the industry leader in redeveloping underused, challenged and unique properties. We have a strong track record of working effectively with local and regional economic development professionals to transform closed power plants into useful and productive sites.