Lordstown learns more about GM/LG Chem battery plant

LORDSTOWN — Though environmental concerns were raised Thursday about a proposed electric vehicle battery plant in the village, many more residents seemed excited about its potential to revitalize the area.

General Motors executives hosted the information session Thursday evening at the Lordstown Village Community Room, answering questions about the proposed site, its hiring opportunities and environmental impacts.

Last month, the automaker announced a $2.3-billion joint venture with South Korean chemical company LG Chem which would establish an about 2-million square-foot electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant right next door to Lordstown Motors Corp., and create 1,100 jobs.

Mark McGrail, a 30-year villager who said he's seen the population decline alongside the former GM plant, said the jobs and new income taxes are sorely needed.

"It was a lot busier than it is today," he said. "Thirty years ago, at quitting time, you did not want to be at one of those red lights. … Might as well get out a book and start reading."

Dan Flores, GM spokesman, said the site is still awaiting approval of state and federal permits for the site, but the company doesn't expect any complications. Construction could begin in July, officials said last month.

Flores said Thursday's event was the first of several planned public sessions.

"We made it very clear we want to collaborate with the community. We want to be open with the community. We're interested in their thoughts and input," he said. "We think this proposed battery plant is a win-win not only for GM and LG but for the community as well."

See General Motors' presentation materials below. To open a full-sized version, click the icon in the upper-right:

Joan Vernon, who lives across from the proposed site, said she was concerned about the amount of traffic the plant could bring along State Route 45.

Branden Bickles, GM's construction project manager for the site, agreed and said a traffic study is currently underway. Currently, the site plan includes one entrance for trucks and another for worker vehicles, he said.

She also drew attention to the proposed site's three retention ponds, and wondered whether they would do enough to control runoff.

"We've had the same three little creeks. It's been that way since we got here in the 1700s. It's the same to take away [water] but we have a lot more water," she said.

Others questioned whether that runoff could carry harmful chemicals. Though the plant would work with lithium and cobalt, Bickles said their storage would be contained.

Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill, who also attended an open house at Lordstown Motors facility earlier Thursday, said he thinks he's bought his last gas-powered vehicle.

"These are pretty exciting times," Hill said. "A year ago tomorrow, we lost our main employer and we're surviving. We're strong."

A public hearing on the site's environmental permits is set for 6 p.m. March 12 at Lordstown High School's Crawford Auditorium, 1824 Salt Springs Road.

Oral statements and testimony can be offered after the information session. Statements about the proposal can also be submitted before the March 12 session to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District office, 1000 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, 15222. The deadline for comments is March 22.

The deadline for comments on the EPA's wetlands permit is March 19.

This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 4:11 AM with the headline "Lordstown learns more about GM/LG Chem battery plant."